A franchise operations manual is the DNA of a franchise system – the foundation that governs franchise unit performance, procedures, and conduct. The manual sets out in detail the specifications, standards, and procedures with which franchisees must comply in order to operate their franchised businesses and consistently deliver on the franchisor’s brand promise.
We recommend scrubbing franchise manual libraries, training programs, and agreements to remove unnecessary controls. Our goal is to put the franchise relationship back into proper balance between brand standards versus control.
The current climate around joint employment issues should serve as a wake-up call to review your franchise operations manuals now with these best practices in mind. After these key writing tactics have been applied, future updates will be much easier.
When franchising, one essential task is to document your operation for the purpose of guiding franchisees about how to meet your standards and execute the brand with integrity.
Should franchisors continue to provide training directly to franchisees’ employees? Does that create any joint employer vicarious liability risk?
To secure franchisee compliance as your franchise brand evolves, updates to your franchise operations manuals must keep pace with changes to your franchise system.
When is it appropriate to use DIY video for franchise system training, and what tasks are best communicated via other methods?
MSA Worldwide Franchising Resources & Library
