It is ranked number ten for innovation and having a social responsibility, its people management, quality, products, and services. Whole Foods believes what is more important than cost to its demographic is fair trade, no preservatives, humanely treating livestock, organic and sustainable farming. They use demographic data to determine their store locations. Store locations are determined based on the number of college graduates within a sixteen minute drive to the proposed store site. Whole Foods believes that this demographic is willing to pay more for the types of products offered. People want to know where their food is coming from; they want trusted sources of their diet, and that is the value that matters most to them. .
Culture, Values, and Mission.
Whole Foods motto is Whole Foods, Whole People, and Whole Planet. These are guiding principles that Whole Foods use in their companies decision making. Leadership at the enterprise wants to empower its team members to create an environment that is rewarding. The company has a set of core values, and it is expected that each of the team members will embrace those that are important to them personally and make them come to life.
Core Values: (taken directly from Whole Foods Web site listed in references).
- Selling the highest quality natural and organic products available.
- Satisfying, delighting and nourishing our customers.
- Supporting Team Member happiness and excellence.
- Creating wealth through profits and growth.
- Serving and supporting our local and global communities.
- Practicing and advancing our environmental stewardship.
- Creating ongoing win-win partnerships with our suppliers.
- Promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education.
At a time when executive compensation is in the tens of millions for most Fortune 500 company executives, Whole Foods is very transparent about its pay practices. Each employee is aware of the pay at every level within the company.
