OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Structural Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:
1. Describe the structural frame
2. Apply the structural frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

Starbucks, which began as a small coffee cart in 1971, has grown into a global sensation,
serving a diverse choice of handcrafted beverages, breakfast, and lunch options. Beyond
its products, Starbucks prioritizes client pleasure, which is key to its corporate ethos. As a
Shift Supervisor at a Drive-Thru location for the past seven months, and having been
with the company for over three years, I play a critical role in ensuring the restaurant runs
well. In addition, I am a barista trainer that has trained over 20 staff who are still with the
firm. In this dynamic role, my primary focus is on opening procedures, which include
great attention to detail, team cooperation, and good communication in order to set a
pleasant tone for the day. My responsibilities include creating a welcoming work
atmosphere, developing team unity, and emphasizing customer interactions in order to
provide not only precisely prepared beverages but also an experience that embodies the
warmth of the Starbucks brand. Aside from everyday operations, I work with the store
manager on team development projects, creating a culture of continual learning and
growth among staff.

2) Describe how the structure of the organization influenced the situation.

Starbucks' structure has a significant impact on the circumstances, especially the job of a
Shift Supervisor at a drive-thru store. Starbucks is well-known for its decentralized
organizational structure, which allows for significant retail autonomy. This structure
allows Shift Supervisors to make decisions based on the particular difficulties and
possibilities they confront on a daily basis. The structure's decentralized nature also
allows for a greater emphasis on customer pleasure, which is a major goal at Starbucks.

As a Shift Supervisor, you must be familiar with the opening processes and day-
to-day operations. The structure allows for local modification, allowing the supervisor to
meet specific demands and issues unique to their business. The emphasis on homemade

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 beverages and a pleasant atmosphere is consistent with the decentralized structure, as it
allows individual shop managers and supervisors to tailor the customer experience based
on their knowledge of local tastes and demographics. The flexibility built into Starbucks'
organizational structure supports the role's dynamic character, which ranges from
controlling inventory levels to collaborating with baristas and ensuring efficient job
assignments. The decentralized decision-making processes promote effective
communication and coordination, which are required to maintain order flow and meet the
needs of early-morning clientele.

Furthermore, the structure adds to the emphasis on teamwork and constant

learning. Collaboration with the store manager on team development approaches
indicates Starbucks' commitment to creating a healthy work environment and promoting
employee progress. The decentralized structure enables localized training programs and
the implementation of tactics tailored to each store's unique needs and culture.

3) Recommend how you would use structure for an alternative course of action
regarding your case.

To take advantage of Starbucks' organizational structure, I would focus on improving

team communication and efficiency throughout the opening operations. Given the role's
dynamic nature, I would suggest holding a scheduled morning huddle or briefing session
before the store opens. This daily practice would bring together baristas, other team
members, and me to talk about the day's goals, obstacles, and any specific customer
feedback or promotions. This structured daily briefing reflects Starbucks' decentralized
structure by allowing individual stores to customize the format to meet their own needs.
It serves as an open communication platform, ensuring that everyone is on the same page
about inventory levels, equipment status, and any specific assignments for the day. The
briefing can also help team members brainstorm solutions to problems and exchange best
practices.

Additionally, the decentralized structure allows for customization of this morning

huddle to the tastes and work culture of the individual store. To improve team
cohesiveness and motivation, consider implementing team-building activities or
recognition moments. The store may set a positive tone for the day by promoting
effective communication and teamwork throughout this structured session, resulting in
better customer experiences. The morning huddle also serves as an opportunity to
underscore Starbucks' commitment to continual learning and growth. This time might be
used to share insights from my engagement with the store manager on team development
strategies, encouraging team members to take an active role in their own professional
development. This is consistent with the decentralized structure's encouragement of local
initiatives and adaptability to each store's unique demands.

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 4) Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

Given my understanding of Starbucks' organizational structure and its impact on the work
of a Shift Supervisor, I would make a few changes in my approach to improve
operational efficiency and team dynamics. To begin, I would prioritize morning huddles
or briefing sessions. Understanding the decentralized structure gives for greater flexibility
in personalizing these sessions to the team and store's individual needs and preferences. I
would aggressively seek feedback from team members to ensure that the format and
substance of these sessions reflect their work styles and contribute to a positive work
environment. In addition, I would look for ways to decentralize decision-making within
the team. While the Starbucks organization promotes shop autonomy, there may be parts
of everyday operations or customer interactions where team members might contribute
more. Creating avenues for open communication and cooperation among team members
may allow them to offer ideas and solutions, generating a sense of ownership and
innovation.

In terms of team development, I would continue to work with the store manager
but also look into decentralized training efforts. This could include allowing experienced
team members to train fresher staff or organizing local workshops that address specific
team difficulties. I hope to establish a culture of continuous learning at the grassroots
level by using the decentralized structure. In addition, I would consider the need for
adaptability. Because the role is dynamic, you must be able to respond rapidly to
changing situations. Understanding the decentralized structure underscores the need for
local adaptation and agility in dealing with unexpected situations.

In summary, based on what I've learned about the organizational structure, I

would attempt to match communication, decision-making, and training programs to the
team's and store's individual needs. Accepting the flexibility inherent in Starbucks'
structure will enable a more nuanced and responsive approach to daily operations and
team growth.

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 References

Starbucks. (2024). About us: Starbucks coffee company. Retrieved January, 2024, from

https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/