Synthesis Essay – Henry Ford
MSgt Charles A. Garcia
Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
November 4, 2015
Instructor: MSgt May Ann Clark
HENRY FORD
Henry Ford has been called many things a business man, reformer, entrepreneur, folk hero, reformer, and legend. Did you know that he was also called a despot and bigot? Despot is defined as a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. (Merriam-Webster Online, n.d.) Ford did not invent the automobile or the assembly line. He was a visionary leader who revolutionized both. Despite all the great things he did, I consider him as an unethical leader. The purpose of my essay is show how Ford used …show more content…
He used despot tactics and spread anti-sematic messages. In 1916, Ford hired Harry Bennett as a security officer. (The People’s Tycoon, 2006b). Bennett took over as the Ford Service Department and surrounded himself street fighters, ex-convicts, and underworld criminals. Bennett was hired to deal Ford’s emergent leadership issues. As production was increased the labor issues arose. Bennett tackled these issues with violence and intimation. His team would patrol the factory looking people not being productive. Bennett’s tactics quickly eliminated problems. When union organizers sought to change labor conditions of the Ford facilities, they were met with brutal beatings. This was captured by the press and put Ford in a negative lime light. According to Emergent Leadership lesson, Bennett’s tactics destroyed morale and cohesion. (BCEE, 2014c) Ford bought a newspaper called the “Dearborn Independent”. (The American Axis, 2003) He used this paper to spread his anti-semantic message. He referred to the Jewish as the world’s problem. He called Benedict Arnold the Jewish pawn who betrayed his country. This is does not align with the Air Force core values. The core values book talks about the discipline and self-control, more specifically religious tolerance. (Core Values Book, 1997) Ford was the face of his company his comments were toxic. His influence could propagate more anti-semantic sediment. He hurt his reputation and …show more content…
He shaped the modern world with his vision. Ford made some tragic decisions that will forever stain his legacy. These decisions are why I view him as unethical leader. Ford displayed inspirational motivation to move towards his vision. He overcame obstacles to reach his vision. His values were in question when he condoned work place violence. He represented Ford Motor Company when he spread his anti-semantic message. I did draw parallels to experiences in my life to events in Ford’s life. Ford did many great things, he forever damaged his legacy. Very few people can carry the same legacy of being a business man, entrepreneur, folk hero, reformer, legend, bigot and despot. References
Despot (Def.1). (n.d.) Merriam-Webster Online. In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 27 October 2015, from the http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citation
Wallace, M. (2003). Chronicler of the Neglected Truth. In The American Axis: Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh, and the rise of the Third Reich (p. 465). New York, New York: St. Martin's
MSgt Charles A. Garcia
Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
November 4, 2015
Instructor: MSgt May Ann Clark
HENRY FORD
Henry Ford has been called many things a business man, reformer, entrepreneur, folk hero, reformer, and legend. Did you know that he was also called a despot and bigot? Despot is defined as a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. (Merriam-Webster Online, n.d.) Ford did not invent the automobile or the assembly line. He was a visionary leader who revolutionized both. Despite all the great things he did, I consider him as an unethical leader. The purpose of my essay is show how Ford used …show more content…
He used despot tactics and spread anti-sematic messages. In 1916, Ford hired Harry Bennett as a security officer. (The People’s Tycoon, 2006b). Bennett took over as the Ford Service Department and surrounded himself street fighters, ex-convicts, and underworld criminals. Bennett was hired to deal Ford’s emergent leadership issues. As production was increased the labor issues arose. Bennett tackled these issues with violence and intimation. His team would patrol the factory looking people not being productive. Bennett’s tactics quickly eliminated problems. When union organizers sought to change labor conditions of the Ford facilities, they were met with brutal beatings. This was captured by the press and put Ford in a negative lime light. According to Emergent Leadership lesson, Bennett’s tactics destroyed morale and cohesion. (BCEE, 2014c) Ford bought a newspaper called the “Dearborn Independent”. (The American Axis, 2003) He used this paper to spread his anti-semantic message. He referred to the Jewish as the world’s problem. He called Benedict Arnold the Jewish pawn who betrayed his country. This is does not align with the Air Force core values. The core values book talks about the discipline and self-control, more specifically religious tolerance. (Core Values Book, 1997) Ford was the face of his company his comments were toxic. His influence could propagate more anti-semantic sediment. He hurt his reputation and …show more content…
He shaped the modern world with his vision. Ford made some tragic decisions that will forever stain his legacy. These decisions are why I view him as unethical leader. Ford displayed inspirational motivation to move towards his vision. He overcame obstacles to reach his vision. His values were in question when he condoned work place violence. He represented Ford Motor Company when he spread his anti-semantic message. I did draw parallels to experiences in my life to events in Ford’s life. Ford did many great things, he forever damaged his legacy. Very few people can carry the same legacy of being a business man, entrepreneur, folk hero, reformer, legend, bigot and despot. References
Despot (Def.1). (n.d.) Merriam-Webster Online. In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 27 October 2015, from the http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citation
Wallace, M. (2003). Chronicler of the Neglected Truth. In The American Axis: Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh, and the rise of the Third Reich (p. 465). New York, New York: St. Martin's