Profiles In Leadership - Taking The Right Steps

https://onlineethics.org/cases/engineering-ethics-cases texas-am/space-shuttle-challenger-disaster

Case Study 2: Starbucks and Racial Bias Training

In 2018, Starbucks faced public backlash following an incident of discrimination at a Philadelphia store. Two Black men were detained while waiting for a colleague for a business meeting. This incident prompted public condemnation and highlighted underlying issues within the organization and the service sector. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Starbucks leadership opted to avoid token gestures in their response efforts. Of that option, the brand took an expensive step by shutting down 8,000 stores nationwide for an afternoon to provide racial bias training for nearly 175,000 workers in collaboration with specialists in racial and social equity. This initiative aimed to tackle unconscious biases and effectively raise awareness among Starbucks employees, despite receiving some backlash for its symbolic approach. This action communicated the company’s dedication to responsibility and values-based initiatives. Starbucks’ handling of the situation underscores the importance of addressing crises with care and intention. In choosing solutions, the company focused on fostering lasting cultural change to demonstrate its commitment to building trust among its employees and customers. This values-centered strategy helped to restore Starbucks’ brand image and presented

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