UPS Case Questions for preparation to discuss the case

Define the UPS strategy. What is the product? What are important characteristics of the product? What do these imply for organizational design?

Why has UPS been so successful in the past? What elements of the environment have changed?

How do you describe the UPS culture? What factors determine this culture? How are they related to the career policies (recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, etc.)?

Why does UPS put such a strong emphasis on hiring at the bottom and promotion from within?

Should UPS attempt to maintain its traditional culture in the new areas of service? Why or why not? If not, what should the firm do instead? Based on your answer, what steps (policies, implementation, etc.) should UPS take, to ensure that the different parts of the organization coordinate smoothly with each other?