Performance and Human Resource Development Essay

Performance and Human Resource Development - Essay Example Performance management is a process that starts with hiring and continues year after year through planning, task assignment and review, performance evaluation, assessment of potential and recognition. It is a method through which management plans and executes strategy in the most effective way. The aspects that distinguish this process are: †¢Ã‚  PLANNING – Work is planned, keeping in mind objectives of the organization, and goals are set for the teams as well as individuals. A vital part of performance management, it can be made more effective with active participation of the personnel who will be responsible for execution of the plan. †¢Ã‚  MONITIORING – Progress on all activities, assignments and projects is regularly monitored. This takes into account individual and group capability, workload and division of work. Keeping track of trends and corrective action based on progress and employee feedback, norms this part. †¢Ã‚  DEVELOPING – Entails development of skills of employees to enhance their abilities to perform through education and training in existing areas and acquisition of new skills. It also involves simplification and improvement of work processes and methods productivity while simultaneously creating a motivating atmosphere at the workplace. †¢Ã‚  MOTIVATING – Keeping the morale of the employees up and motivating them to perform the given tasks with enthusiasm, care and diligence. The provision of good and friendly working atmosphere, unbiased and fair handling (perceived and actual) of all situations., maintaining good discipline, timely feedback and empowerment are some of the tools used.RATING – Is used for summarizing employees’ performance, it allows for comparison of the performance of the employee over time as well as with other employees. Performance appraisal in a structured manner helps in rating of employees to identify high performers and those who need further inputs to help them achieve targets set. REWARING – Appreciation of good performance and censure of poor performance form this part of the process. Appreciation and censure may take many forms like formal positive reception, salary hikes, promotions, lateral multitasking, demotions and outright termination of employment.Management of performance of employees thus forms the core of efficient and competent organizations. Goals are set and work planned out in detail with time frames established usually with the involvement of the individuals and groups concerned, standards are set while keeping in view skills required and capabilities of the individuals assigned to meet them.Performance AppraisalPerformance assessment or appraisal is a process of audit of the effectiveness of each employee. It may be viewed as a contract between the organization and the employee explicitly

Starbucks Case Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Starbucks Case Analysis - Essay Example The firm that is analyzed in the paper is Starbucks coffee company that ventured into the market in 1971 because of three business people who had love for coffee and tea. They felt it was important for the people of Seattle, Washington to have access to their coffee. They organized themselves, and ten years later this company had four retail stores and a roasting plant selling genuine bean coffee within Seattle only. As time went by, this company expanded to other cities like Vancouver, Portland, and Chicago, and by 1991 Starbucks had more openings within airports. It had also expanded into the mail-order catalogue, then further to the state of California. Having grown this far, the company initiated distribution of successful products and brand extensions that included offering coffee to passengers on United Airlines flights. This boosted their potential that later witnessed them start offering people the option to purchase the company’s products at the comfort of their homes through Starbucks’ online services. Currently, Starbucks strategic position is to provide premier purveyor of the finest coffee around the world while at the same time maintaining its uncompromising principles as the company continues to grow. Its efforts generated by sound decision-making are helping the company attain the best quality of the products. Their main product, which is coffee, has always been of the best quality and above all made by employees who are passionate about coffee. They maintain ethical standards as they source for the finest coffee beans that are they then roast it with great care2. Regarding their market, this company has a great strategic position when dealing with their clients as they promise a perfectly made beverage that they deliver at a human connection level. Starbucks treats its stakeholders with respect and dignity hence creates a profitable place for each other. External Analysis Starbucks is facing challenges just like any other company. The most of all challenges that this company is battling now is the current financial crisis that is affecting America. Due to funds turmoil that the current state of economy is posing to companies, Starbucks has not only reduced its total expenditure, but also forced to close most of its stores. In 2008, the company announced that it was going to close six hundred stores in different parts of United States of America3. Financial based reasons like income tax, risks related to third party finalization agreements, and benefits associated with the closure of stores within the anticipated period as well as cost of saving expected led to this fatal draw to the company’s expansion plans. Additional challenges facing Starbucks comprise of dealing with competitors. Currently, there are numerous coffee shops within major cities across around the globe and are posing total threats to Starbucks, as they are all competing for the same customers. 2. Flamholtz, E. & Randle, Y. Corporate Culture: The Ultimate Strategic Asset, (California:Stanford University Press), 20. 3. Thompson, J., et. al., Strategic Management 6th. (California:Cengage Learning EMEA, 2010), 382. Some of these competitors include: Nestle, McDonalds, and Dunkin Donuts. Standing out to generate customers is important yet a hard task to perform. Therefore, in order for Starbucks to alleviate competition wisely, it is of great importance for this company to identify their competitors and know what they are currently doing and how they can be at the top of the game despite stiff competition. Internal Analysis Starbucks has internal capabilities that make its operations smooth. For instance, due to Howard Schultz’s efforts to make Starbucks a better working place, Starbucks now has knowledgeable employees who are conversant with the company’s products, prepare the company’s espresso drinks without missing any detail, motivated, skilled, deliver consistent and