The McNeff family operates a network of companies they founded in Anoka, Minnesota. The leadership practices of the family contribute to high levels of job satisfaction among their employees.

Larry McNeff holds a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska. Marie McNeff holds an EdD degree, also from the University of Nebraska. Marie McNeff retired from Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 2000 after serving for 28 years as a faculty member and for 5 years as the dean of faculty. Immediately after retirement, she began the service of making lunch for all the employees in the SarTec facility. Their son, Clayton McNeff, holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota in analytical chemistry.

In 1983, Larry McNeff started the first family company called SarTec, which produces a cattle feed supplement using an extract from the yucca plant. The company has grown and now produces several animal feed products using this technology, which is a natural way to reduce bloat in cattle and horses. Over the years, the McNeff family formed six companies that employ 65 people in industries such as agricultural products and biodiesel fuel...................

Discussion Questions

1. Based on the company’s products and vision, explain how employees may feel a sense of meaning in their work.

2. Explain the degree to which employees at SarTec experience psychological empowerment based on their responses to Question 6 (Sharing Leadership).

3. Which of the company’s practices demonstrate perceived organizational support (POS) to the employees? Provide specific examples from the employee responses.

4. Explain whether you feel that the same practices would work in a medium or large company. How might a leader adapt these practices to larger organizations?