On September 4, I attended a book event dedicated to Kim Fellner's
   Wrestling with Starbucks hosted by Institute for Policy Studies. Fellner's
   book examines who benefits and loses from companies like Starbucks.

    Starbucks has been built on the concept of being pro-employee with a
   sophisticated way of promotion and many employee benefits including
   health care and education. Unfortunately, the company has chosen not to
   affiliate with labor unions, which allow workers to have a collective voice.
   Due to Starbucks anti-union philosophy many workers miss out on
   employment opportunities within the company. In fact the Human
   Resources department has been told not to hire anyone in a labor union.

Starbucks has become a global icon and can be found near many historic sites. As globalization continues to grow many have complained about the homogenization of cultures. Preservation of one's culture is a priority for many and the rate at which Starbucks in proliferating around the world is seen as an obstacle. On the other side of the spectrum the convenience which accompanies Starbucks can be appreciated. The quality of coffee and service is mirrored from store to store. A patron knows exactly what to expect and can always find their favorite cup of coffee. 

The loss of business to independent coffee houses has been raised as an objection among some. This criticism is not well-grounded. In fact, the number of independent coffee houses has actually doubled and respectively so have their earnings.

I valued Fellner's excitement in discussing her research findings and different portions of her book greatly. I found the event to be thought-provoking and interesting. Many of her colleagues were in attendance that helped formulate a discussion involving the audience.  I appreciated Kim Fellner's unbiased approach to tackling a subject that invokes much emotion.

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