Organizational Culture
NBB is a high-tech, environmentally
conscious brewery that produces a
world class beer. It employs state of
the art cutting edge technology--
even that which has yet to be fully
proven. It combines the winning formula
of high quality, low price, and maximum
profit. Yet it accomplishes all of its goals with
leading edge human resource practices.
The company uses lean manufacturing processes,
through a relatively flat organizational structure that
facilitates decision making, authority, and autonomy
for individuals across the company. NBB emphasizes
the number and quality of cases produced but equally
emphasizes the satisfaction level of co-workers. New
Belgium Brewery was the first company to introduce
on-site child care. The CEO emphasizes that children
are members of the broader NBB community and
employees are encouraged to bring children with
them to the workplace.
The corporate culture of NBB is strong and pervasive.
The company has a set of core values and beliefs
that it argues directly affect costs and profitability.
Overall, NBB is characterized by decentralized authority
and empowered employees. Open communication
is the key to the company's success. Employee happiness
and the establishing of real interpersonal relationships
are at the core of New Belgium Brewery's corporate
culture.
Discussion Questions
Why is corporate culture an important element
in understanding businesses?
What is the key difference between a company's
values and its norms?
What are the sources of a company's corporate
culture? Is this true at NBB?
