The business model that Zimmerman himself lays out towards the end of the company profile (quoted from his remarks in the company's 2006 annual report) is another example of the purposeful lack of differentiation that makes personhood such an apt metaphor for Men's Wearhouse. Despite the phenomenal growth of the company, the only way this growth has been achieved is through, in Zimmerman's words, "acquisition targets that complement our current footprint, such as After Hours, or extend our services to an underserved segment, such as K&G" (Datamonitor 2007). This shows the careful and controlled way in which the operations of the Men's Wearhouse company are organized, with the senior management of the company -- and George Zimmerman in particular -- acting as a brain that controls all of the other parts of the human body that is, in this metaphor, the Men's Wearhouse company (McCrimmon 2009).
Perhaps the most essential -- or at least the most defining -- quality of person-like organizations is being attributed with and/or standing for "personality traits...like integrity or openness" (McCrimmon 2009). Men's Wearhouse is run with just such traits in the forefront of most of their activities. Again, in the words of George Zimmerman (spokesperson in annual reports as well as on television commercials): "Our metrics qualify and quantify such intangibles as levels of excellence in customer service, employee enthusiasm...
According to Zimmerman's more extensive comments, this type of philosophy and business mentality is a top-down practice of the company, affecting the corporate relationship to retailers and subsidiaries as much as it affects relationships with employees and customers. There is a great recognition of the human needs of customers and employees alike, that is, and the company is proof that such considerations need not be prohibitive to either growth or profitability. Instead the company smartly recognizes the need-based niche it fills, and actively endeavors to fill that role more comprehensively and efficiently (Datamonitor 2007).
This type of ensured personal engagement at every level of the business would not be possible with a less centralized organizational structure. Men's Wearhouse is a people-oriented company in every aspect imaginable, and it makes sense that the company is organized like a person itself. It will be interesting to trace the company's trajectory after long time leader George Zimmerman steps down; the company may well lose some of its distinctive personality.
References
Datamonitor. (2007). "Men's Wearhouse Inc. Company Profile."
McCrimmon, M. "Organizational metaphors." Accessed 8 July 2009. http://www.leadersdirect.com/metaphor.html
