One of the secrets that plays a big part in the fame and fortune of fast food companies is uniformity. Most, if not all fast food corporations and their leaders claim that “the key to a successful franchise can be expressed in one word: ‘uniformity’ ” (5). Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, explains that uniformity is much more than simple tactic used to lessen disorder. Schlosser sheds new light on the meaning of uniformity by exposing fast food companies such as McDonald’s for causing severe economic problems for potato farmers and beef ranchers as well as unfair treatment towards franchise employees because of their tenacious demand for uniformity in products. In contrast, the same demand for uniformity is believed by many, including
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They point to the “economic vitality” that scores of fast food businesses provide to America all due to customers who want to avoid the unknown and enjoy the familiarity uniform businesses provides (9). In order to keep it that way, Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald’s corporation invented and enforced his philosophy of Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value and made sure that all of his franchises followed it to a tee. His obsession for perfection and uniformity made sure all McDonald’s restaurants had the same cheerful atmosphere that “provides for the entire family” (21). People who are afraid to go against the norm, usually opt to support well-known franchises rather than the mom and pop shops making Kroc, his franchise managers, as well as his copycats rich. Moreover, the more the franchises spread, the more power it gave to the McDonald’s corporation which is exactly what Kroc intended for it to …show more content…
The demand for uniformity often resulted in more powerful slaughterhouses and farmers clandestinely gaining market information and contracts while many independent farmers and ranchers faced unfair disadvantages trying to sell their products. For franchise employees, uniformity meant that they were easily replaceable, they had no permanence or benefits. These circumstances call for a change in the business model of those corporations that continue to take advantage of uniformity. The first step in making corporations change should be taken by the consumers. We, as consumers have the power to drive the decisions of the big corporations and we can demonstrate the power by supporting brands and products that treat their workers
They point to the “economic vitality” that scores of fast food businesses provide to America all due to customers who want to avoid the unknown and enjoy the familiarity uniform businesses provides (9). In order to keep it that way, Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald’s corporation invented and enforced his philosophy of Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value and made sure that all of his franchises followed it to a tee. His obsession for perfection and uniformity made sure all McDonald’s restaurants had the same cheerful atmosphere that “provides for the entire family” (21). People who are afraid to go against the norm, usually opt to support well-known franchises rather than the mom and pop shops making Kroc, his franchise managers, as well as his copycats rich. Moreover, the more the franchises spread, the more power it gave to the McDonald’s corporation which is exactly what Kroc intended for it to …show more content…
The demand for uniformity often resulted in more powerful slaughterhouses and farmers clandestinely gaining market information and contracts while many independent farmers and ranchers faced unfair disadvantages trying to sell their products. For franchise employees, uniformity meant that they were easily replaceable, they had no permanence or benefits. These circumstances call for a change in the business model of those corporations that continue to take advantage of uniformity. The first step in making corporations change should be taken by the consumers. We, as consumers have the power to drive the decisions of the big corporations and we can demonstrate the power by supporting brands and products that treat their workers