Value Alignment: Raising Cane's - Evolution of Personal and Workplace Values

Value Alignment: Raising Cane's

Values define a company and can be leveraged to increase a positive company culture resulting in increased productivity. "Alignment refers to the 'shared' aspect of definition, in short, it means that the employees value the same things that the organization values" (Psych Safe, 2012, para. 4). Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves knows the importance that value alignment plays and applies the concept in his company. Team B will analyze the evolution of personal and workplace values and degree of alignment between Raising Cane's stated values and the organization's real plans and actions.

Evolution of Personal and Workplace Values

When looking at the values within the personal and professional life, both have many similarities. To start with, values begin from childhood. Parents taught many values in childhood like respect, honesty and to have positive interactions with other people. "Within the professional level of life, these values are developed and are evolving to gain use in our daily functions and to help interaction with peers" (Pearce II & Robinson, 2009).

Later in adulthood, these values mature and used throughout the workplace and toward fellow employees in professional life. In everyday lives, individual values affect a person's behavior and actions. Values are the starting point for what decisions we make and help determine the outcomes in different situations. Integrity is a value that affects personal behavior concerning honesty and truthfulness of one's actions and "professionally integrity is often call up on when ask to do certain tasks" (Pearce II & Robinson, 2009).

Another value that affects professional behavior is respect. In every organization, everyone works with someone that he or she would prefer not to work with, and a choice based on individual values is made on how to handle the situation. To create an effective work atmosphere each person must treat each other with respect and dignity. Subconsciously, integrated values that are a part of our everyday lives drive an individual's behavior and guides decision-making.

Raising Cane's Values

The day that Todd Graves opened his first restaurant in 1996, the demand was so great they were open until 3:30 a.m. Todd gave credit for the success to his dedicated employees and for the overwhelming community support. Todd states, "We have a great concept, but it takes passion, a great crew and exceptional culture to make a concept a success. These are things that drive Raising Cane's" (n.d., para. 4).

Todd also wanted to give back to the community that supported his dream. The company's website also states the philosophy as "Raising Cane's does not want to be just another restaurant chain in the community. We want to become an integral part in that community" (Raising Cane's, n.d.,