What is so unusual/special about the McDonald’s culture?
Facella: One reason McDonald’s culture has been studied and written about so often in the business press is because the leadership has always comprised individuals who “walked the talk.” Both late founder Ray Kroc and former CEO Fred Turner stayed their entire lives with the company, creating a heritage for the organization that very few other companies have. It was not about the money or selling out to retire, as it was for many of their contemporaries. It was a passion for building a unique and talented organization. That passion, enthusiasm, and engagement has been passed on to subsequent leaders. It is infused with a “never be satisfied” mantra that keeps everyone pushing, collectively, to improve the organization. Q: What qualities separate companies with a positive corporate culture from the others? Facella: I believe the consumer ultimately makes that decision. The success of McDonald’s is unheralded in its field–and yet it was not the first company to sell hamburgers. McDonald’
