Organizational Behavior 18th Edition Chapter 16. For this Case Incident 2: Active Cultures (content below), please describe the leaders use of the leadership style in response to the situation. and explain what makes the selected leadership style effective for the particular situation. See Case Incident 2 on page 574-575 (the end of Chapter 16). What might Patagonia do to further reinforce its culture? Look through Chapter 16 for what specific chapter content could be relevant and add any of your own ideas too. Please do not exceed one page (single or double spaced).

Case Incident 2: Active Cultures

Employees at many successful companies start the day by checking the economic forecast. Patagonias Ventura, California, employees start the day by checking the surf forecast. The outdoor clothing company encourages its workforce to take time from the workday to get outside and get active. For Patagonia, linking employees with the natural environment is a major part of the culture.

New hires are introduced to this mindset very quickly. Soon after starting at Patagonia, marketing executive Joy Howard was immediately encouraged to go fly fishing, surfing, and rock climbing all around the world. She notes that all this vacationing is not just playing aroundits an important part of her job. I needed to be familiar with the products we market, she said. Other practices support this outdoors-oriented, healthy culture. The company has an on-site organic caf featuring locally grown produce. Employees at all levels are encouraged through an employee discount program to try out activewear in the field. And highly flexible hours ensure that employees feel free to take the occasional afternoon off to catch the waves or get out of town for a weekend hiking trip.

Are there bottom-line benefits to this organizational culture? Some corporate leaders think so. As Neil Blumenthal, one of the founders of Warby Parker eyewear, observes, [T]heyve shown that you can build a profitable business while thinking about the environment and thinking about your team and community. As Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario says, People recognize Patagonia as a company thats looking at business through a more holistic lens other than profit. However, she is quick to add, Profit is important; if it wasnt you wouldnt be talking to me.

Patagonias culture obviously makes for an ideal workplace for some peoplebut not for others who dont share its values. People who are just not outdoor types would likely feel excluded. While the unique mission and values of Patagonia may not be for everyone, for its specific niche in the product and employment market, the culture fits like a glove.