CaseStudy Assignment Instructions

Microsoft_Word_Document.docx

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Kindness in Bombas Organization

Name

University, School of Business

Class

Professor

September 3, 2023

Topic Paragraph

I have chosen the BOMBAS organization to focus on the value of kindness. I choose kindness due to this value being consistent with God’s character (Hill, 2018). BOMBAS is an organization that focuses on offering clean, comfortable socks, slacks, and t-shirts to people experiencing homelessness (Bombas, n.d). I chose this organization because of its collaborative efforts to help others. Collaboration with the community ensures that the community's needs are met and is a successful step toward ending community-based issues such as homelessness (Awad, 2023). I chose this organization because of its innovative approach to community service even while conducting its everyday business. Additionally, it leverages kindness to make an impact on the community. Kindness allows individuals to significantly impact society beyond the economic realm (Taufek et al., 2023). For example, BOMBAS provides consumers with high-quality socks and donates one pair of socks for every pair sold. This shows an act of kindness that is rare in today’s world. Kindness can be shown through charity, highlighted in 2 Peter 1:7, which states, " And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”. Kindness is essential to BOMBAS's business operations and how it has an impact on people's lives. This value resonates with me because it demonstrates a compassionate and considerate approach consistent with my beliefs. Cottingham (2019) highlights the importance of kindness, reflecting the biblical teachings surrounding living with others and charity. It allows individuals to be compassionate towards each other (Cochrane et al., 2019). This aspect allows individuals within such an organization to work seamlessly and create a nontoxic work environment. Additionally, kindness is an important aspect of making a social impact, a key objective for most organizations (Griffin-EL, 2021).

Outline

I. Introduction

II. Background of BOMBAS

A. BOMBAS was founded in 2013 for a noble purpose, which includes providing clean, comfortable apparel, namely socks, pants, and t-shirts, to those in need, especially homeless individuals (Bombas, n.d). This mission was inspired by the awareness that clean clothing can restore a person's dignity and confidence.

B. The Model of "Buy One, Give One"

The innovative "buy one, give one" model of BOMBAS ensures that an identical item is donated to homeless individuals for each article of clothing purchased by a consumer (Bombas, n.d.). Such donation strategies emphasize the importance of compassion and foster a sense of social responsibility within the organization and among its clients.

III. Discussion of the Biblical Value Kindness

A. The Biblical Definition of Kindness

Kindness, as described in 2 Peter 1:7, can resonate with the mission of BOMBAS. Kindness reflects compassion, empathy, and compassion towards others, mirroring the biblical teachings on love and charity (Cottingham, 2019). The Bible teaches individuals to be kind to each other as a fruit provided by the holy spirit. It is also a reflection of God’s character (Hill, 2018).

B. The Value of Kindness in Everyday Life

Kindness plays a crucial role in fostering an empathic and compassionate culture in organizations (Cochrane et al., 2019). It aligns with BOMBAS's mission to make a positive impact by addressing a fundamental need with a generous spirit: providing clean apparel.

IV. Discussion of How BOMBAS Displays Kindness

A. Influence through Donation

BOMBAS's initiative to donate one item of clothing for each item purchased illustrates generosity in action (Bombas, n,d,). BOMBAS demonstrates how the purchase of clothing can significantly affect the lives of others by addressing the needs of the less privileged.

B. Partnerships with Community-Based Organizations

The partnership between BOMBAS and over 3,500 community organizations demonstrate the organization's commitment to nurturing kindness on a larger scale. The collaborations between community organizations and business organizations expand the scope and impact of their efforts to ease the problems faced by underprivileged individuals, such as homeless individuals (Awad, 2023).

V. Discussion of how kindness is connected to BOMBAS

A. Kindness is deeply rooted in BOMBAS's core values, as shown by the organization's mission to provide comfort and dignity through clothing (Bombas, n.d.). This alignment supports the idea that corporate success and acts of compassion and social responsibility can coexist.

B. BOMBAS's brand reputation and consumer loyalty are enhanced by its emphasis on kindness. An organization like this can cultivate a positive image that resonates with consumers seeking to support organizations that prioritize kindness by prioritizing social impact alongside business development (Griffin-EL, 2021). Consequently, Bombas has earned a positive reputation.

VI. Discussion of How the Biblical Value of Kindness Influences BOMBAS Decision-Making

A. Moral Business Choices

Kindness influences the decision-making processes at BOMBAS, resulting in choices that prioritize social responsibility and human welfare. This ethical approach involving kindness in everyday business practice to decision-making reinforces the organization's dedication to making a difference for the better (Taufek et al., 2023).

B. Organizational Climate and Employee Engagement

BOMBAS's emphasis on kindness is probably ingrained in its corporate culture, nurturing an atmosphere where employees are inspired by its mission (Bombas, n.d). This commitment to compassion contributes to the employees' sense of purpose and fulfilment.

VII: Lessons Learned

VIII. Conclusion

References

Awad, M. H. (2023). Place and the structuring of cross-sector partnerships: The moral and material conflicts over healthcare and homelessness. Journal of Business Ethics, 184(4), 933–955. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-023-05360-w

           My personality test based on Jung and Briggs Myers typology indicated that I have an INTJ (introverted (38 percent), Intuitive (19 percent), thinking (6 percent), and judging (25 percent) type of personality. My results indicate that I have a moderate preference for introversion over extroversion. I have a slight preference for intuition over sensing, a slight preference for thinking over feeling, and a mild preference for judging over perceiving. As INTJ, my primary mode of living is known to be focused intrinsically; I take things and decisions based on my intuition. My secondary way of living is external, where I deal with situations rationally and logically. INTJ is known as masterminds; they live in a world of ideas and plan strategically rather than following their emotions. I value competence, intelligence, and knowledge as an INTJ person, and I have similar expectations to other people I work with currently and in the past. Since I am more of an introvert, I channel my energy into observing the world to generate potential ideas and possibilities which may turn out to be innovative. According to David Keirsey, a psychologist, and developer of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, nearly 1 to 4 percent of the world's population has an INTJ personality type. Keirsey's four temperaments are better known as their subdivided sixteen kinds of personalities. The four-character types, according to Keirsey. The sixteen personality types include guardians, Artisans, Rationales, and Idealists; there are four personality types (Daniel, 2017). 

I-introverted

           Because I am more introverted at 38 percent, I am less likely to interact with others and share my ideas. I spend much of my time on my mind thinking about new ideas and how to plan strategically. As a result, I usually have little interest in the thoughts and feelings of other people. 

Therefore, other people will perceive me as a reserved person who is often isolated and less likely to share ideas. However, I am open to welcoming ideas from other people that I perceive as critical and logical since my primary focus as an INTJ person is to uncover innovations. As an introvert, I prefer working by myself ad strongly prefer solo work to group work. People find it hard to know me because I see little value in social events such as partying and small talk and thus making it difficult for people to get to know me. As a result, I have reserved interaction with a small circle of friends and family members. 

           A person with INTJ personality traits tends to have difficulty establishing intimate solid relationships. I find it hard to show affection to other people. I do not feel the need to express appreciation to other people. People in a romantic relationship with an INTJ person may feel as they are not loved due to the type rarely showing respect. They are less likely to give positive support and praise as other partners desire, which I know significantly demonstrates in my personality (Daniel, 2017). I do not find it necessary to keep praising my partner, and I rarely use words of affirmation to other people, which makes them think that I am not romantic. In terms of career, I have great interest and passion in pursuing what I live to become more skilled and knowledgeable in my field of study. I have high expectations, and I see it as my responsibility to become the better version of myself. 

I -Intuitive

           Based on the personality test, my score for intuition was 19 percent. As an intuitive person, I slightly prefer intuition over sensing. I tend to rely on imagination on the potential outcomes rather than sense. I am more focused on tangible facts and more specific results. I tend to discuss and assess different views and options of what the world would look like in the future. I am interested in the future rather than the current moment. For example, I would like to think of where I will be in five years and how that will influence my personal and professional growth. In addition, I tend to exercise my imagination to seek new ideas and possibilities.

T-thinking

           I have a slight preference for thinking over feeling. According to Keirsey's four temperaments, my INTJ personality falls under the rational category as a mastermind. Masterminds are planners, self-confident, systematic, utilitarian, willful, and ingenious (Keirsey, n.d). Under planning, they understand the logical outcomes of each move, and their decisions do not influence by the current situation but the consequences of the action. They quickly understand how a particular decision affects the next step. They foresee what will be the outcome of the present action. In addition, masterminds are self-confident and thus quickly make decisions because they believe in their intuitions and knowledge. When it comes to making decisions, I rarely waste time because I am self-confident that I am making the right decision. I have unparalleled certainty of my ability to overcome barriers and achieve excellent outcomes.

Furthermore, INTJ's personality confronts challenges head-on and acts as a stimulant for the mastermind to dig deep to uncover innovations. INTJ personality follows a systematic approach to a problem. In addition, a mastermind believes that every situation exists for a reason, and thus every issue must have a solution. They are interested in using ideas and their utility in reality, not merely concerned about the pictures.

           NTS value knowledge and competence over everything else and seek to make sense of the world around them so that they can help improve it. However, they are not generally interested in taking care of details but instead are focused on seeing the big picture, discovering ideas, and recognizing patterns. Other people may find a person with an INTJ personality as a rigid person because they are committed to implementing their ideas. Other people may find it hard to understand a person with an INTJ personality. 

J- Judgment

           From the personality test, I score 25 percent in judgment. This score implies that I prefer judging over perceiving. For example, I like gathering information from the external world and analyzing it to gather new insights to make informed judgments rather than perceiving a situation. 

Part 2: Relationship of various personality types at work

           The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a practical framework that shows how different personality types work together. A workplace cannot be effective with too many people sharing the same personality. The workplace will not be effective because there are too many of the same character traits, and they do not benefit from different input from people with other character traits. For example, INTJ people are all rational masterminds and not input from a person with ISTP personality traits. An organization with an accurate mixture of different personalities will perform better if it has idealists, rationalists, guardians, and artisans. All these personality types interact to bring out the best results. For example, ENFP personality types are regarded as imaginative motivators, while ENSTJ personality types are considered efficient organizers (Thompson, 2022). As a result, a company needs efficient organizers and creative motivators to perform to its full potential. If an organization only has employees with ESTJ personality type, it will have a workforce full of efficient organizers.

However, unfortunately, it will be missing employees with ENFP personality types who are imaginative motivators. Different personality types bring various talents and ensure the team generates a broad spread of ideas and solutions. However, with team members having diverse personality traits can be hard to synchronize the differences into something that can work for the better of the company. However, it is not impossible if all team members respect the boundaries of others. For example, if a person is an introvert and prefers email, approaching their workstations may make them uncomfortable (Kroeger, Thuesen & Rutledge, 2009). It is also imperative to come to people with different personalities in different ways. For example, guardian types prefer facts and patience. Therefore, it is essential to approach the points and have plenty of time for them to make decisions.

           Based on the personality test results, I have learned the impacts that my personality type, both positive and negative, can have on an organization. One of the traits I have a person with an INTJ personality type is that I can easily make a decision because I can project the future outcomes, and thus, I am confident with the decision I make. I can predict how the future will unfold, and therefore, I can make strategic decisions for an organization that will place the company in a better position. As a mastermind, I am driven to achieve the result and always watch the long-term consequences of a given action. Therefore, I am now better positioned to avoid decisions that may have adverse outcomes for an organization. INTJs are about strategy, and organizations are about strategic planning. As an INTJ, one of my biggest strengths is strategy. I approach situations in terms of problem-solving by looking at the bigger picture and the outcome of a given case. Businesses miss out because of a lack of visionary leaders who can strategize effectively (Kroeger, Thuesen & Rutledge, 2009). In addition, as an INTJ, I am independent and have self-confidence about myself. Self-confidence helps a leader take more bold moves that can take the organization far ahead. However, one of the weaknesses of INTJs is that they like working in solitary; this can be a disadvantage, especially for projects that require teamwork. I prefer working on projects alone. However, it can be hard when I am supposed to team with other employees to complete a task. 

References

Kroeger, O., Thuesen, J. M., & Rutledge, H. (2009).  Type talk at work (revised): How the 16 personality types determine your success on the job. Delta.