Assignment task: Finding and retaining key talent is an increasingly important component of a firm's strategy. Without talented and motivated resources, a firm cannot hope to deliver on the promise of its strategic objectives. What is the best way to ensure that new and existing employees will function at their potential?
How can a strategic approach to human resources ensure success? As you consider these questions, please answer True or False to the following statements:
- Most people overestimate how well they perform on the job.
- Conversations about employee feedback and compensation should be separate.
- Once employees have mastered a task, they perform better when they are told to "do their best" than when they are given specific, direct performance goals.
- Mentoring programs have no effect on individual career success.
- Companies that screen job applicants for values have better retention and success than companies that screen job applicants for intelligence.
- The best predictor of a new employee's success in a company is his or her past experiences.
- A star performer is less likely than a non-star performer to change jobs.
- Team-based compensation programs are better than individual-based compensation programs.
- Most companies carefully plan their human resource needs well in advance.
- Voluntary employee departures hurt the company's bottom line.
Based on your responses, what is your conception of strategic human resource management? What is your conception of human nature?