Home Depot

b. STRATEGIC POSTURE

Mission: The Home Depot is in the home improvement business and the goal is to provide the highest level of service, the broadest selection of products and the most competitive prices. Home Depot is a values-driven company and consists of eight core values including the following:

Ð'* Excellent customer service

Ð'* Taking care of our people

Ð'* Giving back

Ð'* Doing the "right" thing

Ð'* Creating shareholder value

Ð'* Respect for all people

Ð'* Entrepreneurial spirit

Ð'* Building strong relationships

(Home Depot About Us 2007)

Leadership: At The Home Depot, dedication to serving the customer and providing the ultimate shopping experience is everyone's priority. Maintaining this focus and commitment is a leadership team that believes our company values and commitment to great customer service will create value for all the stakeholders. Working in a Store Support Center, rather than a corporate headquarters, the leadership knows that the most important people in the fabric of our company are the store associates and store leadership teams (Home Depot 2007).

Values: The Home Depot's values guide the beliefs and actions of all associates Ð'- from the front line to the boardroom Ð'- on a daily basis. Values are the fabric of the Company's unique culture and are central to our success. In fact, this is the competitive advantage in the marketplace. Associate pride and the "orange-blooded" entrepreneurial spirit are distinctive hallmarks