Publix Organizational Culture

Organizing – Organizational Culture

Organizational culture consists of the set of shared, taken-for-granted implicit assumptions that a group holds in the workplace (Kinicki & Williams 226). The Publix Corporation formally states its commitment to its organizational culture in their published mission statement. One of the bullet points of the Publix mission is dedication “to the dignity, value and employment security of our associates” ("Mission Statement & Guarantee").

It is the founder’s values that drive an organization’s culture (Kinicki & Williams 227). Publix has its story, one of its observable artifacts (the first layer of organizational culture), which “helps to symbolize its vision and values to employees” (Kinicki & Williams 232).

(Kinicki & Williams 263). Publix value of their employees extends to their hiring processes.

Some organizations request that employees only apply online to all open positions. At Publix, all prospective, non-management, employees must apply directly at any store kiosk Job Application Center. This is to enable the potential employee the opportunities to “speak with a person if they have questions”; “experience the store’s environment to help determine employer-employee fit” and to establish the location and readiness of that candidate’s employment ("How to Apply”).

Since it is a Publix best practice to promote from within for management positions, a current employee must “register for interest” in their continuously available “Positions Leading to Management (PLM)” or biannually to management positions

Some of the other, very attractive, benefits that Publix provides all employees are 401(k) company match retirement plans, group health, dental, and vision plans, tuition reimbursements, and an annual holiday bonus (“Benefits”). A few other Publix benefits that are available to full-time employees are vacation pay, life insurance plans (paid by the organization) and long-term disability (“Benefits”).

Publix does offer a few perks to their employees as well. All employees become a member of a consumer discount plan that offers special pricing on goods and services such as cell phones, computers, leisure travel, tax preparation, and home loans (“Benefits”). It is certainly evident that Publix has programs in place that promote employee engagement which certainly reflects on the bottom