Whole Foods Case Study Questions
Review the Whole Foods Case Study and answer the questions
listed below. Responses to each question should range from 100-200 words.
Your paper should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards (12 point
Times New Roman font, double-spacing, 1" margins, title and reference
pages). Be sure to use the text and/or other sources to support your responses
and properly cite the use of such.
1. To what extent do you think training and associate
learning would be more important for Whole Foods compared to other grocery
stores? (Ch 4)
2. Given the nature of Whole Foods’ jobs and the way in
which associates are selected, what type of personality traits would be
important for Whole Foods associates to possess? (Ch 5)
3. Which of the motivational practices are emphasized by
Whole Foods in its management system? Tying rewards to performance? Designing
enriched jobs?
4. Providing feedback? Clarifying expectations and goals?
All of these? (Ch 6)
Based on the demand-control and effort-reward models of
stress, are Whole Foods team members like to experience a great deal of stress?
Executives? (Ch 7)
5. Is John Mackey a transformational leader? Why or why not?
(Ch 8)
6. Whole Foods’ open-book policy allows all associates to
have full access to all information about the company and its executives. (a)
Would this degree of open communication work as well in other companies? Why or
why not? (b) What impact do you think this degree of transparency has on the
attitudes and behaviors of Whole Foods associates? (Ch 9)