Strategic
Leadership started with Kellogg’s founder, W.K. Kellogg, back in 1906. Mr.
Kellogg had a strong commitment to nutrition, health and quality and we still
see these qualities being carried out today. His vision to drive improvement in
Kellogg products and processes and produce the greatest tasting, nutritious
products still continues, as well. By Mr. Kellogg being an inspirational and
motivated founder, he set the tone in the company early. He pushed that their
purpose was to “nourish families so they can flourish and thrive.” This has
been driving Kellogg’s to success since the beginning.
Kellogg’s also
shows strategic leadership by empowering employees. Kellogg’s employees are
their competitive advantage. They have created a culture in which employees can
succeed and grow in the company. Leadership believes that the company won’t
succeed unless the employees succeed. They also empower their employees by
recognizing their efforts with awards through out the year.
Internal
knowledge is shared through out the company. I read through some of the
employee biographies and this is what I learned. Employees enjoy working for
Kellogg’s because they get to work in cross-functional teams, network to share
and gain information, and that everyone is truly working towards the same goal.
Kellogg’s also
uses external information to make decisions about products. Since they are a
global company, they have to adjust their products to the tastes and preference
of each culture. In order to find out what those consumers want, Kellogg’s
listens to them and makes products that fit the different cultures. They have
also listened to consumers when they said they wanted healthier foods.
Kellogg’s has created the most nutritious foods to meet the needs of their
consumers.
Ethics are a
concern in every company, however Kellogg’s has created a Global Code of Ethics
to promote ethical decision-making through out the company. Their 5 key points
are integrity, trust, fair, accurate and respect. It states that Kellogg
employees act with integrity and show respect for themselves, each other,
consumers, customers, shareholders, communities and in the marketplace. They
have an Ethics Office if ethical concerns arise and need to be discussed. Every
year, employees are required to take a Business Conduct Questionnaire to
reflect on personal circumstances and disclose any information about ethical
misconduct.