Many management practices did not change upon arrival in France. Employee of the month and year
recognition programs, feedback practices, and meetings
to discuss problems were implemented despite a
general belief that they would be found incompatible
with the French environment. Yet they were successful
because of how they were implemented—using the
words of one manager, "on tip toes." Their more awkward
(from a French perspective) elements were
amended, and their purpose was communicated
gently, but repeatedly. The individuals carefully selected
into Four Seasons' environment did not object to
their use because they understood the intent of the
practices, as well as their effect. The practices ultimately
contributed to achieving the changes in organizational
culture that Four Seasons managers believed
were necessary, helping to ensure that the "oranges"
(new employees) carefully selected into the property
become the dominant culture carriers, overwhelming
the leftover "apples" who refused to change, creating
an environment in which those apples no longer fit
comfortably.