Starbucks Barista Training Report

When training to become a barista, I had to do both computer-based learning and a hands-on portion. The Starbucks barista training program consists of many routines to follow to provide accuracy and consistency throughout the company. There is a routine for taking orders, making drinks, barista positions, and even preparing whipped cream. These routines were introduced during the computer portion of training first as reading the step-by-step process and then as simulations. After the drink making exercise on the computer my trainer, Danny, would show how each step was performed in real life. After showing me the process about three times I attempted to make the drink myself. This is an example of observational learning which The Science of

Starbucks offers incentives like free drinks, investment opportunities, and free food to partners in an effort to create a positive working environment and in turn inspire partners want to come to work. This technique resembles operant conditioning which is a type of learning that explains voluntary behavior and that this behavior is driven by consequences. However, these incentives does not always yield the most constant behavior especially if motivation is lacking. This can be observed by Emani and Jordan. Emani is a senior is high school, on the cheer team, is involved in numerous school activities, and also has a boyfriend. However, she called in sick at least once a week every week during the month of February. While many people at the store were becoming ill and making an effort to come in to work despite it; Emani continuously called in and did not come to work. Though I am sure she probably felt ill I am certain that it was not serious or so bad that she actually had to miss work especially because she called in every week. One explanation of why she did not show up when others did is that in comparison she was deficient in intrinsic motivation. The Science of Psychology defines this as “based on internal factors such as organismic needs (competence, relatedness, and autonomy), as well as curiosity, challenge, and fun” (King, 2008). Emani’s lack of intrinsic motivation in regard to working while sick resulted in an understaffed store and a negative effect on partner moral. On the other hand, Logan, who is also a senior in high school possesses high levels of intrinsic motivation when it comes to work. Outside of work Logan participates in student council and state choir. Logan is also a part of the Coffee Master Program at Starbucks. The Coffee Master Program requires a number of rigorous prerequisites as well as recommendation from