Based on what you learned, what is the main purpose of strategic human resource management? Explain your response.

Traditionally, the companys human resource department developed and administered human resource management practices. Some companies leaders are abandoning this approach; or do not have HR departments. Why is this occurring? If the company leaders do not have an HR department or credentialed HR leaders, will those organizations be able to respond to strategic human resource management issues? Explain your position. Be specific. Use real world evidence. Justify responses based on text and peer reviewed journals.

Staffing, training, compensation, and performance management are essential HRM functions. How can each of these functions help companies succeed in meeting the environmental, social, and governance challenge, the global challenge, and the technology challenge?

Next, TWO Sections follow. For each section, select ONE exercise from the below sections. Explain your response.

SECTION ONE

Publix: HR Practices Result in Happy Employees and Customers:

1. Which of Publixs HR practices do you think are most important for its success? Why?
2. Could promotion from within have disadvantages for Publix? Explain why.
3. Do Publixs HR practices give it an advantage over its competitors? Why or why not?

Responses will vary, but students should use case information to rationalize responses.

SECTION TWO

Managing People, Zappos Faces Competitive Challenges:

1. Zappos seems to be well-positioned to have a competitive advantage over other online retailers. What challenges discussed in Chapter 1 pose the biggest threat to Zapposs ability to maintain and enhance its competitive position? How can HRM practices help Zappos meet these challenges?
2. Do you think that employees of Zappos have high levels of engagement? Why? Link responses to HR practices found in the case to those concepts found in the chapter. Which of Zapposs 10 core values do you believe that HR practices can influence the most? The least? Why?