Based on the information in the text reading, I believe that a company’s culture can clearly be determined by observing the layout and design of its production facility, regardless, if the company is producing goods or delivering a service. A positive company culture will be reflected in a well-designed goods-producing or service facility layout that will ultimately maximize the production process, as well as, meet the needs of and ensure the safety of the employees. In my thirty-five year experience as a dental hygienist, I have experienced poorly designed service facilities and their effects on production and morale. It creates a stressful work environment which is counterproductive.
Maximizing the use of space, machinery, materials and staff, in a either a goods producing or service facility, will eliminate wasted time and materials (Bowee, Thill & Mescon, 2007, p.299). Smart design layouts ensure employee safety, as well as, support close communication and collaboration among employees, both of which are important in employee satisfaction and motivation (Bowee, Thill & Mescon, 2007, p.299). For example, a well-designed layout of a facility will have a smooth process flow, whether it is an assembly line of workers in a goods-producing facility or dental office staff in a service facility. If the flow of production is smooth and easy, it will be less stressful on the employee and as a result, the employee will be happier and more productive and project a positive attitude about their job and about the company. In addition, design layouts that support communication and teamwork among employees, will encourage those who may be having any difficulties with their tasks to ask for help or direction from others to correct whatever problems they are having, as opposed to, not asking for help and either holding up the production line or interrupting the process flow. This communication will support a sense of camaraderie and encourage employees to become more helpful and supportive of their co-workers.
In conclusion, a company that takes the time to protect the safety of and encourage dialogue and a sense of camaraderie among its employees is communicating to its’ employees that their safety, within the facility, is important and they are respected and valued members of the company. It has been my experience that a respected, valued employee will not only take measures to increase the productivity of that company, but will also be a loyal, dedicated team-player. The company’s culture will be reflected to its customers through the employees, whereby, they will treat the customers with the same respect their company bestows on them and value their customer’s business. They will share with customers what a great company they are working for. That will instill a confidence in the customer, that the company has a good sense of ethics and respect for others, which in turn will result in the customer’s loyalty.