Case Study: Alcoa’s Core Values in Practice Essay

The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) began its caller-out in 1888 under the name of the Pittsburg lessening Company. In 1907, they changed their name to Alcoa and from its inception they had a very inviolate value based culture. In the very beginning of their work all employers learned everything they do and did had to be aligned with the companys values. In 1985 Fred Fetterolf then President decided the company needed to document the values that all employees must love by Integrity Environment Health and Safety Customer Accountability Excellence People and Profitability (Lawrence & Weber, 2011 pg.119). In the 1990s Alcoas CEO capital of Minnesota ONeill, communicated his unswerving belief in the importance of health and safety, which was one of the companys hollow out values (Lawrence & Weber, pg. 119). Alcoa had an understanding in their code of suffice that made sure safety was a primary concern and focus. The overall work climate would be classified as benevolence and p rinciple. Alcoa also had core standards for all workers and their management believed that no employee should be forced to work in an environment where their safety or the safety of other employees might be jeopardized (Lawrence & Weber, pg. 120). The emphasis of safety had a deep and important meaning to Alcoas management aggroup as they cared deeply about their employees.Most individuals already nominate beliefs or perceptions about what type of environment they will work in as well as what type of relationship they may form with their company or employer. An organizations ethical work climate is an important factor to determine as it affects the nature of the relational contract between the individual and their employer (Barnett & Schubert, 2002 pg. 279). Alcoa had very strong core values for all its employees and each employee knew precisely that all decisions being made would have to meet Alcoas Core Standards. This shows values of benevolence and principles, because Alcoa ha d a huge concern for their workers. Theemployees also had a strong professional relationship with Alcoa because they acted with integrity and followed rules and procedures according to Alcoas standards. That is why Alcoas top management team treats all employees with integrity, honesty and fairness. They also play a huge role in developing the ethical work climate and organizational performance seen at Alcoa. Overall the company emphasized that the programs role and continuous ethics, must be continually reinforced by management (Lawrence & Weber, 2011 pg.120). Mr. O Neill took the interest of the companys values and safety into hand and required continuous improvement as everyone strove toward an ideal goal of perfection (Lawrence & Weber, 2011 pg.120).As in life, it is perfectly fine to motivation to strive to become better to have overall quality and satisfaction out of life and in your business. Alcoa has a made a shipment to upward(a) the quality of life among its employees and community as well. Overall, Alcoas ethical work climate is diverse and encourages open communication between workers, has ethical high principles and a very good work environment. Alcoas core values are held to a high standard and by setting these standards Alcoa has made a commitment to improve the moral of their company, their employees, and their consumers.REFERENCESBarnett & Schubert (2002) Perceptions of Ethical Work Climate & Covenantal Relationships. Journal of Business & Ethics. Volume 36. Number 3, page 279.Lawrence, A. T. & Weber, J. (2011). Business and society Stakeholders, ethics, public policy (13th ed.). bracing York McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN 978-0-07-813715-0