Application of Cultural and Critical Approaches



Executive summary2

1.Introduction4

1.1Purpose4

1.2Scope4

1.3 Methods5

1.4 Limitations5

1.5 Assumptions6

1.6 A Case Study: Star Mart Australia6

2. Findings7

2.1 Cultural View7

2.2 Critical View8

3.Discussion9

3.1 Cultural Approach9

Values9

Rites and Rituals9

Growth10

Cultural Networks10

Safety11

Communication Process11

Subcultures12

Culture Types13

3.2 Critical Approach13

Hierarchy13

Management System14

Control/Resources15

4.Conclusion16

5. Recommendations17

References………...…………………………………………………………...…………………18

Appendix20

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Star Mart is one of the main investments of the Caltex Australia, which offers the chain of stores and shops on an international level nationwide. The stores provide a number of items of the convenience needs to the people, who stop for fuel at the service stations of Caltex. The Star Mart has several competitors in the convenience stores industry, but it has taken a lead through its unique atmosphere and a clean place, where customers can purchase every item of their daily use. The food and coffee service is also available, which attract most of the customers on their way from one place to another. It has been observed that because of the wide variety of items, people from all ages visit the stores. The service and the wide range of products available at the stores have the Star Mart one of the leading convenience stores in Australia.

Star Mart Australia is very well aware of the people's expectations. They have a very strong organizational culture, which promotes the ideology of innovation, relationship-based leadership, customer's satisfaction, high quality risk management. The company appreciates all employees to observe the highest degree of honesty and integrity in their work related task. In addition, the employees are accustomed to showing the same level of loyalty and honesty in any situation which can have a direct impact on the company's reputation. The sound subcultures prevailed in the company is based on cooperation, and transparency in the employees' action. The company's latest policies are making it an employer of equal opportunities. Cultural diversity in the employees is also being encouraged by the higher management.

Furthermore, the company has happened to be community and environmental friendly. A number of steps have been taken to keep the environment clean and green. With this, company is involved in many of the social reforms in the community, such as education, employment opportunities, and health facilities. This proves that the company is responsible towards the community and working not only for the wellbeing for employees and customers, but it also contributes to the overall welfare of the Australian community. These are some of the secrets of the company's success and gradual expansion on the industry of convenience store.

With such a strong culture and subculture, Star Mart needs to implement some strict standard procedures. For ensuring the strict control procedures within the culture, some tools are applied, which produce fruitful consequences. The firm, but strict hierarchy of the company with complete control over decision making, resources and technology, has so far been bringing desirable results. However, critical review of the company by applying various methods proves that the company needs to show some leniency in several areas.

Cultural and Critical Approaches

Introduction

1.1Purpose

The study aims at the use of Cultural and Critical approaches to the Australian Northern territory Company: Small Mart ...