Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Inc., decided to be a values-led business with a “commitment to employees, the Vermont community, and social causes in general” (p.265). However, a reputation is built upon actions rather than statements, therefore Cohen and Greenfield must follow through on their promises in all circumstances to build their desired reputation. Unfortunately, financial hardship created a multitude of opportunities for the independent company to merge which endangers the carefully crafted culture that stakeholders enjoy. To save the reputation of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Inc., leadership must stick to company values regardless of the situation to protect their employees, community,
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Going through a merge places strain on the culture of both companies as one generally assimilated into another leaving behind “reduced trust, satisfaction, and productivity among the organization” (p.16). Relationships that Ben & Jerry’s created will suffer if they enter a merger simply for financial reasons. In a time of financial crisis, good leaders should “find those more interesting solutions even if they do not readily fit into the current financial model or valuation method” (235). Entering a merge contradicts the image Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Inc. created, and they may lose profitable relationships as a consequence for the financial based …show more content…
will ultimately lose respect from stakeholders because the decision contradicts their values. Before making a decision, it is vital for leaders to engage in conversations with all stakeholders, especially because they may have insight and ideas that allow the company to remain independent. Cohen himself said “to grow is to die,” so the community expects the company to act based on their values rather than financial gain (265). Ben & Jerry’s claims to be a value-led business, therefore the decisions made about the company must focus on the values and commitment they have to the stakeholders and community rather than personal
Going through a merge places strain on the culture of both companies as one generally assimilated into another leaving behind “reduced trust, satisfaction, and productivity among the organization” (p.16). Relationships that Ben & Jerry’s created will suffer if they enter a merger simply for financial reasons. In a time of financial crisis, good leaders should “find those more interesting solutions even if they do not readily fit into the current financial model or valuation method” (235). Entering a merge contradicts the image Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Inc. created, and they may lose profitable relationships as a consequence for the financial based …show more content…
will ultimately lose respect from stakeholders because the decision contradicts their values. Before making a decision, it is vital for leaders to engage in conversations with all stakeholders, especially because they may have insight and ideas that allow the company to remain independent. Cohen himself said “to grow is to die,” so the community expects the company to act based on their values rather than financial gain (265). Ben & Jerry’s claims to be a value-led business, therefore the decisions made about the company must focus on the values and commitment they have to the stakeholders and community rather than personal