Essay - Assessment of FEDEX Express Company Overview FEDEX Express is the...

Assessment of FedEx Express

Company Overview

FedEx Express is the express transportation division of FedEx. It specializes in ***** quick and reliable delivery ***** packages, with delivery times guaranteed. FedEx Express is also divided *****to three subdiv*****ions: U.S., international, and freight. FedEx Express U.S. is described saying,

***** Express offers a wide range of shipping services for delivery of small packages up to 150 pound each. With ***** U.S. express service, ***** is guaranteed in one to three business days within the continental United States" (FedEx, 2003).

***** Express International is ***** saying,

***** Express provides customs-cleared, door-to-door service to more international locations than its competi*****rs. ***** express delivery is guaranteed to more than 210 countries, with a v*****riety of time-definite services to meet distinct customer needs" (FedEx, 2003).

FedEx Express Freight is described saying,

For pallets of freight weighing from 151 pounds to 2,200 pounds, FedEx Express ***** ***** 100 percent coverage to any U.S. location in one to ***** bus*****ess *****" (FedEx).

***** Express Freight also includes freight delivery to some ***** locations in one ***** three bus*****ess days, ***** others locations within five business days.

FedEx Express's Leadership Style

FedEx's leadership style is based mainly on a p*****rticipative style. This includes a strong focus on empowering employees. Kandola and Fullerton (2000, p. 292) describe the characteristics of companies where employees are empowered saying,

Decision making is devolved to the lowest point possible; participation ***** consultation will be encouraged and management will listen to ***** act on what employees ***** saying; the need for experimentation is valued and encouraged, and people are allowed to fail; *****re will be an open, trusting environment."

The character*****tics are all observed within FedEx Express. This can be seen by considering the truck drivers employed by the company, where the truck drivers play a crucial role in provid*****g services. Decision making is devolved to the lowest ***** possible because ***** drivers are given responsibility for managing *****ir own areas and developing their own routes. Truck ***** are also ***** broad instructions, where their over***** goal is to ensure that packages get delivered ***** customers on time. Bey*****d this, truck drivers ***** expected to make their own decisions on how ***** best achieve this on-time delivery. These aspects also s***** that ***** driver***** are expected to participate in management activities, where they ***** expected to manage themselves. This reflects a respect for the truck drivers, where ***** contribution to the comp*****ny is recognized. Th***** also reflects a general approach to ***** where ***** employer and employee are considered as a te*****m working **********her to achieve a go*****l. This approach does not treat the employer-employee relationship as one where the employer gives orders and the employees follow *****m. ***** approach ***** employees more respect ***** that by showing that their contribution is valued. Based on *****, ***** and c*****sultation are encouraged, where the contribution of employees is both sought, listened to, and acted on. As noted, employees are given ***** overall goal ***** ensuring on-time