Logitech named winner of 2016 Positive Business Project, an annual competition presented by Michigan Ross’ Center for Positive Organizations
May 24, 2016
Digital device company Logitech was named the grand prize winner of the 2016 Positive Business Project competition, presented by the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
The Positive Business Project is an annual contest celebrating organizations that excel in their positive business practices. Organizations were invited to share success stories about how they create economic value, how they bring out the best in people’s performance and humanity, or how they address important societal and environmental issues, needs, and opportunities.
The finalists were chosen based on three criteria: 1) the extent to which the practice aligned with positive business; 2) the ability of the practice to be replicated in other companies; and 3) its impact. Submissions were judged by a five-person panel comprised of faculty from the Center for Positive Organizations, +LAB student fellows, and business leaders who have implemented positive business practices in their own organizations.
“We are excited by the impact of these positive practices, and we are thrilled by the action-learning experiences the Positive Business Project creates for our students to partner with senior researchers and leaders,” said Chris White, managing director of the Center for Positive Organizations.
Founded in Switzerland in 1981, Logitech designs personal peripherals that connect customers to their digital experiences. Logitech was recognized for its work in creating a community where its employees were “invigorated by their work, more attuned to their passions, and awakened to the potential impact each person could create.” Offerings included personal job crafting sessions and workshops that helped employees define their best selves, build high quality connections, and cultivate gratitude.
In her Positive Business Project submission, Logitech’s Sr. Director of Learning and Development Jessica Amortegui wrote, “[because of this work] we have created a shared identity through meaningful and memorable experiences that have open our employees minds and hearts to new ways of leading and living.”
Four finalists were also recognized for their contribution to building great workplaces:
Conco Services Corporation
- Founded in 1923, Conco is the world’s leading provider of condenser and heat exchanger services to the power generation and industrial process industries with offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific.
- Conco was recognized for its “Year of High Quality Connections” initiative based on the work of Jane Dutton, Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration and Psychology, and co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizations.
- View submission video
EDSI (Educational Data Systems, Inc.)
- Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dearborn, MI, EDSI is a national workforce development, customized training, and consulting company intertwined with one common thread: helping people and companies in transition.
- EDSI was recognized for its work in opening channels of communication and fostering long-distance positive relationships between its CEO and employees across the country.
- View submission video
Stamps.com
- Stamps.com is the leading provider of Internet-based postage solutions and was the first company approved by the U.S. Postal Service to offer a software-only postage service that lets customers buy and print postage online.
- Stamps.com was recognized for their “Beanstalk Initiative,” which was created to drive positive changes within the organization by developing deeper cross-functional connections, fostering idea and knowledge sharing, supporting professional development, and building a stronger company community.
- View submission video
Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
- Zingerman’s Community of Businesses is a collection of Zingerman’s businesses (including a deli, bake house, creamery, and more), each with its own food specialty, all located in the Ann Arbor, MI.
- Zingerman’s was recognized for its inclusive decision making model. With the intent of spreading ownership as deeply and widely as possible, they added equally-weighted staff members to the Partner Group governing body.
- View submission video
26 semi-finalist submissions were also recognized for their contributions in a web-based Positive Practices Handbook. The winners were announced at the 2016 Positive Business Conference held at Michigan Ross May 12-13, 2016. The conference, in its third year, offers attendees the opportunity to engage with thought and organizational leaders, and the latest research on positive business approaches that yield extraordinary results.
About the Center for Positive Organizations
The Center for Positive Organizations brings world-class transformational research to students and leaders through articles, books, events, tools, teaching, and organizational partnerships. We are the leading research hub focused on the leadership, strategies, systems, culture, and practices of high-performing organizations that enable people to be their best selves in the workplace. Learn more at positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu or follow us on Twitter @PositiveOrg.
Media Contact
Katie Trevathan
Associate Director of Communications
Center for Positive Organizations
ktalik@umich.edu
734-764-2805