Special Note: Students are not permitted to explicitly interview, discuss, or otherwise engage members of the organizations. Students are to observe and access publicly available documents, websites, and conduct unobtrusive visits as members of the public.
Visit the two selected organizations.
• Observe the architecture, inner space and artifacts of each organization.
• Focus on the values expressed in the physical locations.
• Does each organization have an implicit theme?
• If they were books, what would be their titles?
• What cues within the organizations support the themes?
• What cues detract from the themes?
• Do the organizations distribute literature/memorabilia?
• How many of your five senses are involved in experiencing the organizations.
• How are the organizations furbished?
• What banners or posters are on the walls?
• What happens when you enter the organizations?
• When you leave? Create a metaphor for what it is like for you to experience the public space?
• As soon as you leave, write field notes on your experience.
Go to the web sites of each organization. Find the part of the web site that identifies their mission statement (and/or values statement). Does the décor of each organization reflect their respective mission?
Best Buy Mission Statement
Although not officially labeled a "mission statement, the Best Buy corporate website declares this to investors and employees:
"Our formula is simple: we're a growth company focused on better solving the unmet needs of our customers-and we rely on our employees to solve those puzzles.
Staples Mission / Vision Statement:
"What's Staples Soul?
"Staples Soul reflects our commitment to corporate responsibility. It's a holistic approach to business that recognizes the close connection between our financial success and our desire to make a positive impact on our associates, communities, and the planet by joining together the following areas: diversity, the environment, our community, and ethics. It's how we do business-that's Staples Soul.