Fully Integrated Inclusive Organization: Beyond Accommodations

Walgreens, the largest drug store chain in the United States, has created inclusive distribution centers in Anderson, South Carolina and Pendergrass, Georgia, where individuals with limited skills, cognitive and or physical limitations, are recruited for employment. Unexpectedly these individuals became a catalyst which dramatically altered the organizational culture of their units. Using the case study approach, the researchers interviewed 31 team managers, who are responsible for over 650 employees--247, or 38 percent of whom have limited skills. Because of the necessity of meeting high performance operational standards with limited skill team members, a substantive change in management leadership style became imperative. Our model displays the subsequent adaptation from an autocratic centric management process, to a people centric management focus. This successful leadership style recognizes the necessity to lead with humility--an understanding that the leader must adapt, and the corresponding building...