Case Study Analysis: Whole Foods and the Affordable Care Act

Letter

My suggestions on alternative to Obamacare first highlight the need for health care reforms which are needed to resolve the health care problems in the country. My suggestions were based on the democratic right of expression with no aim of taking political sides or offending people who may have different political view to mine.  My arguments at alternative the alternative solutions but not to blindly oppose the position held by the beneficiaries of the Obamacare program. I wish you objectively understand my assertion on the basis of policies but not political ideologies that may cloud the business relationship that we have developed over the years.

I could relate my insights to food as a basic need. There is a reason to be concerned if people lack enough food and we have programs whose aim is to ensure sufficient food for everyone.  However, this does not mean that agricultural sector be deregulated because people are in need of food. In the same case, health care regulation should not be looked at from this point of view.  Therefore, I hope that young rationally reconsider your position of cutting the business ties based on democratic and unbiased personal view.

Presentation

My decision to write the op-ed piece on alternative solutions to Obamacare reforms was informed by the belief that there is a role that green-minded firms like Whole Food can play in this process. It was based on the desire to have a public debate on available alternatives to the proposed health care reforms which should be considered. The aim was not to paint the company in bad light or an indication that we are not in touch with the American economic challenges brought about by the inefficient health care system.  There was a need to bring rationality to the facts on surrounding Obamacare reforms considering the economic issues related to the deficit in budgets and the impact to businesses. The backlash arising from my article was not at all anticipated.

 To respond to the publicity arising from the article, I have decided to act decisively and honestly. I wrote an article in response, in which I explained the views as being my personal opinion and not the position of the company.  I expressed the need to respect other peoples’ opinions on the subject since the issue was out for public participation. I also issued apologies to those stakeholders who may have felt offended by the same.

Communication process

 The communication process involves identifying the purpose, analyzing intended audience, considering the context and analyzing the right communication method. Identifying the purpose involves the issue being addressed and the desirable outcomes of communication (Walker, 2014).  The purpose of the article was to address other methods that could replace Obamacare in health care reforms which were clearly covered with a desire to generate constructive debate on the topic.  

Analyzing ones audience involves considering the primary and secondary recipient of the message so that to set the right content, tone and medium (Walker, 2014). While John Mackey chose the right medium, he did not consider that his recipients involved the public with members having divergent opinion on the subject. In that case, he should have clarified that the views in the article were his opinion and not the company’s opinion which could have prevented placing the firm in contention with the public. Content analysis is assessing whether on knowledge on the issue and evidence for message completion has (Walker, 2014). The writer had the right content of the message which he used to assert his position and views on health care reforms needed .Analyzing the medium helps in choosing the right medium for message delivery or communication method (Walker, 2014). Mackey chose the print media as the method of communication. 

Reference

Walker, R. (2014). Strategic management communication for leaders. Nelson Education. 189

 

Mackey ,J.,(2009).The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare Eight things we can do to improve health care without

 

Mackey, J., (2009).Health Care Reform.