Through its disdain of formal organizational hierarchies, Google maximizes innovation. Quality of ideas, rather than job titles or the length of time an individual has spent at the company is what is important. Not all innovative companies, of course, are large companies. Whole Foods is a relatively small chain of organic grocery stores that tapped into the concerns that people have over the quality of the food supply to create a mid-sized chain of thriving operations. Whole Foods does not try to be 'all things to all people.' However, it has been successful by focusing on a small, once-untapped untapped market niche. Whole Foods has a clear sense of mission, and does not try to pander to immediate customer demand, although it is responsive to different regional tastes. It stays true to its values, but not in an inflexible manner (Vodicka 2011).

Remaining true to the founding idea that made it great, yet taking in new ideas to meet critical benchmarks is instrumental in the success of another food company, that of the Starbucks corporation. When Starbucks felt that the quality of its drip coffee and espresso beverages were deteriorating, it instituted a massive company training of its baristas, temporarily shutting down all of its stores. It routinely draws...

When a new Starbucks opens in a country, the company conducts intensive research about tastes and local cultures, so the Starbucks experience can be adapted to consumer needs. Service is always 'Starbucks-quality' and aspires to meet high standards, but the ways in which it satisfies its customers, offering different beverages and food types, is infinitely adaptable.
References

Culture. (2011). Google Corporation: Corporate. Retrieved March 2, 2011 at http://www.google.com/corporate/culture.html

Ferris, Tim. (2008, March 21). No schedules no meetings -- enter Best Buy's ROWE.

Retrieved March 2, 2011 at http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/05/21/no-schedules-no-meetings-enter-best-buys-rowe-part-1/

The world's most innovative companies. (2006). Businessweek. Retrieved March 2, 2011 at http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_17/b3981401.htm

Vodicka, Michael. (2011, February 18). Whole Foods at post-Lehman high. Fores.

Retrieved March 2, 2011 at http://blogs.forbes.com/zacks/2011/02/18/whole-foods-at-post-lehman-high-still-looks-tasty