Organizational Strategy and Employee Performance
Last week, you explored the topic of job analysis. When conducting a job analysis, a manager develops a description of the duties performed in a position. However, effectively designing a position goes much further than simply listing duties. It includes building in strategies for training, review, recognition, and clear direction and responsibilities. Part of the role of the human resource manager is to design jobs in such a way that the employee feels motivated and appreciated, resulting in a higher level of performance.
This week, you explore the importance of job design, job training, and performance appraisal systems. You explore performance development actions that contribute to supporting a diverse workforce. You also explore how organizational strategy influences each of these areas. Based on the readings for this week, consider how organizational strategy is enhanced or hindered by each of these functions.
With these thoughts in mind:
Select a topic from this week's readings that interests you the most.
Consider a real-world situation that relates to or could be addressed utilizing primary concepts from the assigned readings.
Post by Day 4 an answer to the following questions:
How does this topic impact organizational strategy?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of HR approaches (job design, job training, or performance appraisal systems) related to the chosen topic?
Your post should be approximately 200-250 words in length.
Use the Week 4 Discussion Template (located in this week's Learning Resources) to develop a draft of your statement. Then, post your finalized statement to the Discussion Thread.
Read a selection of your colleagues' postings.
Respond by Day 6 to two or more of your colleagues' postings who chose a different topic in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question related to your colleague's chosen approach.
Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
Offer and support an opinion regarding the colleague's strength or weakness.
Make a suggestion to your colleague about how to capitalize on a strength or overcome a weakness.
Expand on your colleague's posting.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and the insights you gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Be sure to support your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources and any additional sources.
Week 4 Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned Learning Resources.
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Required Resources
Readings
Stewart, G. L., & Brown, K. G. (2014). Human resource management: Linking strategy to practice(3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
Chapter 8, "Measuring Performance and Providing Feedback" (pp. 292-333)
In this chapter, you are introduced to the various methods and frameworks for a job design and the type of factors that need to be taken into consideration as part of this design process. Approaches to and relationships between job design, job redesign, and organizational strategy are also discussed. Finally, you review the steps involved in using a strategic framework for job redesign.
Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review the different steps involved in job design and what factors may affect the outcome of a job design or redesign. Consider how managers can use the strategic framework presented. Ask yourself how implementing this strategic framework can positively impact employees.
Chapter 9, "Training for Improved Performance" (pp. 334-377)
In this chapter, you explore the important elements necessary for designing an effective training program. You gain an understanding of how well-designed training and development can improve performance. Finally, you are introduced to different methods for evaluating a training program.
Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. From a manager's perspective, consider the different techniques for development and training that assist employee orientation. Ask yourself how an effective training program can improve retention.
Chapter 10, "Developing Employees and Their Careers" (pp. 378-412)
This chapter explores some of the major choices regarding career development plans, as well as the process involved in performance assessments and feedback.
Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the various methods of performance appraisal presented. How can a manager ensure that they are implementing all of the requirements for an effective performance appraisal system?