Analyze the Home Depot case in the textbook and develop a response to the questions below:
How would you describe the culture at Home Depot?
The culture at Home Depot was a culture set primarily by the founders, Mr. Marcus and Mr. Blank. It was a culture marked by an entrepreneurial high-spiritedness and a willingness to take risk, a passionate commitment to customers, colleagues, the company, and the community, and an aversion to anything that felt bureaucratic or hierarchical. All of this led to the company’s success.
Discuss the impact of the cultural change and the reaction of the employee.
When the founders of Home Depot left and the new CEO Mr. Nardelli came along, employees found it hard adjusting. They felt an outsider would “GE-ize their company and culture.” The changes Nardelli brought about was dealing with immediate problems that weren’t readily apparent, shortage of experienced store & district managers as well as the challenge from Lowes, poor inventory turns, low margins, and weak cash flows. Nardelli laid out new strategies from the store, the centralized leverage buying power, reevaluation was done on store operations, detailed data transparent environment, store layout and employee training.
Although Nardelli’s changes left some managers and employees resistant, and many of the top executive team left, some did see merit in his approach. Over time, attitudes slowly began to change. Nardelli’s changes and new strategies transformed Home Depot from zero to $50 billion in sales, but Nardelli realized that this was not going to get to the next $50 billion.
Discuss how the new culture was implemented at Home Depot.
The new culture was implemented by a culture change toolbox. The toolbox consist of; data templates, strategic operating and resources planning, disciplined talent reviews, store manager learning forums, Monday morning conference calls, employee task forces, an array of leadership development programs, and mapping of the HR process.
How did the cultural change give Home Depot a competitive advantage?
The culture today at Home Depot focuses on process, hard data, and accountability. These changes brought acceptance by employees, and with the acceptance came job satisfaction, which led to improved business results. These results help to give Home Deport a competitive advantage.

Go to the jobs section at www.intel.com and see what Intel has to say about its culture under the links for Careers, Diversity, and the Workplace. Then, discuss the following:
Discuss whether or not what is on the website is recruiting propaganda or does it convey the type of work climate that management is actually trying to create.
After reviewing the website, it is my belief that Intel’s website actually promotes the climate that management is trying to create. One of their workplace objectives are “Our vision of tomorrow is computing and communication anytime-anywhere. Our success depends on talented employees around the world who are passionate about technology.” The website really relates how they offers various employment possibilities for future employees, such as, interns, recent college graduates, experience professionals, as well as positions in business and technical disciplines all over the world. The company as a whole promotes their products, employees, and their overall work climate. I can definitely see how some may view Intel’s website as recruiting propaganda, especially because they advertise on Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Podcast and Video Center, but in actuality it’s great advertisement!
Discuss how the culture at Intel may give them a competitive advantage in the industry.
It appears that Intel has a range of career opportunities and diversity in their organization. They also address the diverse needs of their employees, as well as their strong commitment to making everything easier. Intel also has a strong focus on their products, product diversity, innovation and creativity, flexible work options, family focus, personal & professional development, health and wellness, which puts this company at a strong competitive advantage in the industry.
Discuss whether or not the culture would be a good fit for you as an employee.
Since I’m about to be a college graduate, I would definitely say yes. This company seems to have a lot to offer. It appears they have a strong focus and commitment to their employees, employee benefits, innovation, and diversity. The company gives you the feeling, that once you become an employee, they don’t forget about you. They also seem to offer great training and advancement programs, and I like their values.