Case study

Albatal Saudi Arabia places a high value on its workforce, recognizing them as a crucial asset to the company's success. The satisfaction of customers is integral to the business, and it commences with employees possessing the necessary attitudes and abilities for efficient work and exceptional customer service. As part of its growth strategy, Albatal Saudi Arabia has identified people as one of its three global corporate strategies, aiming to be the premier employer in each community worldwide. The company pledges a "people promise" to its employees, emphasizing the appreciation for their growth and contributions.

The human resource strategy of Albatal Saudi Arabia revolves around five "people principles": respect and recognition, values and leadership behaviors, competitive pay and benefits, learning, development, and personal growth, and ensuring that employees have the essential resources for their tasks. The company has effectively implemented its operational excellence strategy by monitoring key indicators of product and service quality, speed, and accuracy. Albatal Saudi Arabia has identified specific people practices and approaches that significantly impact turnover, productivity, customer satisfaction, sales, and profitability, leading to a business model that prioritizes not only financial and operational aspects but also people factors that enhance employee commitment, retention, productivity, and customer loyalty.

Given Albatal Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing quality, cleanliness, quick service, and value to customers, the company places considerable effort into hiring individuals who aspire to excel in delivering outstanding service. Many of its employees, particularly in restaurants, are often teenagers for whom Albatal Saudi Arabia serves as their initial employer. The company focuses on recruiting and retaining the best talent by offering ongoing training and promoting from within to fill managerial positions. Identifying crucial skills and behaviors in applicants is a key aspect of the recruitment process. Albatal Saudi Arabia has found success in attracting quality crew members by advertising within the restaurant, targeting local individuals and friends of existing employees. Recruitment efforts extend to local job centers and career fairs, employing clear messaging aimed at the intended audience. CEO Steve Easterbrook highlights the importance of getting the people aspect right, emphasizing its influence on overall success.Questions

$1.$ What is Albatal Saudi Arabia's business strategy, and what are the key factors contributing to its competitive advantage and overall success?

$2.$ How has Albatal Saudi Arabia synchronized its business, human resource, and staffing strategies to achieve its organizational objectives?

$3.$ What potential talent$-$related challenges could pose a threat to Albatal Saudi Arabia's competitive advantage? Would issues like increased turnover or a challenging labor market for skilled individuals be problematic? What recommendations would you propose for the company to sustain its competitive advantage in the next five years?