ASSIGNMENT 1
Union or Nonunion
The success of the enterprise is not necessarily dependent on whether the labor was in a union or not. Much of the success of businesses such as glass and door makers depend on builders, competition, and other external factors. However, in this case, the union did go on strike which did affect how the situation was handled. While unions work to protect the rights of workers, I do not think to have a union necessarily guarantees the success of a business. “The NLRA prohibits certain activities by both employers and labor unions” ( Noe et al., 2017, p. 591). If unions and management can successfully work together, everyone involved can win. Because Richard Gillman was looking out for his own interest, the entire situation was handled inappropriately which lead to a sad ending.
Initial Approach
I think Kevin’s approach to acquiring the company was unique and will greatly benefit him and the businesses success in the future. Kevin met with the union’s president and several workers first instead of meeting with creditors. Kevin was able to find out the needs of the union and gain their trust at the same time. This will go a long way with employees. Employees tend to be more productive when they respect management and are treated fairly. “A well-respected employee he felt he was an integral part of the operation, appreciated for his skills and tracked record. It was easy for him to feel motivated; it just came naturally”
Building on Initial Goodwill
I think the initial goal of HR should continue to build trust with employees. This can be done by asking employees opinion on what works and what didn’t work with previous management. Additionally, including employees on decision making could continue to build goodwill. Finally investing in employees will show that management cares. Offering various opportunities for training and certificates would be appropriate.
Employer and Employee Relationship
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” ( Ephesians 5:21, NIV). I believe submission in relationships goes both ways. I think in regards to submission in the workplace in the employee to management scenario submission is pretty evident. As employees are management is in charge, employees should do as they’re told as long as it is not harmful in any way. On the point of management submitting to management, this can include things such as leading by example, listening to their point of view, and realize if something isn’t working for employees seeing what can be done to change it.
The Bible says In everything to give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:!8, KJV). This includes at work. There are many ways for the employee-employer relationship to honor God. First, the alliance allows us to display the fruits of the spirit on a daily basis; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Additionally, the relationship allows for the opportunity to lead and follow in a Godly manner.
References:
Noe, R. A. (2017). Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage(10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Lipman, V. (2017, January 11). Why Respect Is Key To Employee Engagement. Retrieved May 16, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2017/01/10/why-respect-is-key-to-employee-engagement/#47bd089d5394
ASSIGNMENT 2
Union or Nonunion
The purpose of a labor union is to, “give workers a formal and independent voice in setting the terms and conditions of their work.” (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2017, p.581) Unions aim to protect the interests of their members in areas such as wages, job security, rights and responsibilities, and administration. (Noe et. al., 2017, p.581) Non-union employees do not have the same level of protection. (Noe et. al., 2017, p.582) In the case of the demise of Serious Materials, I do not feel the lack of a union spells the difference between the success and failure of this enterprise. I feel the deciding factor in this case was the transition of management from Gillman to Surace. Gillman felt the pressure of his failing company and looked to move equipment to a successful company before shutting down Republic Windows and Doors giving employees no notice. When Surace, chief executive of Serious Materials, took over he saw all the pre-existing equipment and trained staff as a major benefit. Surace valued employee’s wants and needs. As a result, the company was able to turn in a positive direction under Surace’s leadership.
Initial Approach
Surace entered the company with a completely different approach than Gillman. Surace realized the value of employees and put their feelings, wants, and needs at the forefront. On average, “happy employees are up to 20% more productive than unhappy employees.” (Preston, n.d.) With added emphasis on what employees want and management valuing their opinion and presence, I feel employees are more likely to be productive therefore producing successful outcomes.
Building on Initial Goodwill
As a human resource consultant, I would suggest management focus on open communication between upper management all the way to front-line employees. Being open to employee suggestions will build a strong relationship between executives, management, and employees. The establishment of open communication builds trust. Management should frequently visit employees during the work day to check in and receive status updates regarding productions and employee morale.
Employer and Employee Relationship
Ephesians 5:21 states,” Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (New International Version) This verse encourages individuals to conduct themselves in a manner that honors Christ. It reminds us to complete our work as a service for Christ. This translates to the employee-employer relationship by encouraging honor, trust, and respect in the workplace.
References
Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright. (2017). Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage. New York, NY: McGrawHill.
Preston, C. (n.d.). Promoting Employee Happiness Benefits Everyone. Retrieved May 16, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/12/13/promoting-employee-happiness-benefits-everyone/#2cf0ee9581a1
ASSIGNMENT 3
What was Learned
Brazil is a country with a similar origin to the United States, colonized by Europeans for hundreds of years mixing with the native inhabitants and also participating in the trans-Atlantic African slave trade and most of the population follows the Roman Catholic faith (Meyer, 2010). Comparatively, China is a country made up of over 50 ethnic minority groups and a majority Han Chinese and as a nation date back over 5,000 years (Zimmermann, 2017). Brazil has significantly higher wages than China, but the wages in China have been growing rapidly since the early 2000s (International Labor Comparisons, 2012). Under Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, China and the United States are very different (Noe, Wright, Gerhart, & Hollenbeck, 2017, p. 635); comparing all three countries, Brazil is also high on Power Distance similar to China, low on Individualism but high on indulgence like the US (Country Comparison, 2018).
What Needs Further Investigation
Brazil recently has been in economic recession, with high levels of unemployment and inflation along with a recent political scandal involving the president in 2016 (The World Factbook, 2017). Compared to China, which has underwent massive growth since the early 1990s improving standards of living for all people yet is under very tight political control from the Chinese Communist Party (The World Factbook, 2017).
Which of the Two?
For this case, I would recommend Brazil over China due to their less strict political structure and closer cultural and historical similarity to the United States. For both nations there will be language barriers but overall, Brazilians like to indulge themselves much more than the Chinese which may be more advantageous for sales rather than in China.
Resources:
Country Comparison. (2018). Retrieved from Hofstede Insights: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/brazil,china,the-usa/
International Labor Comparisons. (2012, June 12). Retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statisitics : https://www.bls.gov/fls/country.htm
International Labour Organization. (2018). Retrieved from ilo.org: http://www.ilo.org/global/lang–en/index.htm
Meyer, A. (2010). Brazil Culture. Retrieved from Brazil.org.za: https://www.brazil.org.za/brazil-culture.html
Noe, R., Wright, P., Gerhart, B., & Hollenbeck, J. (2017). Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
The World Factbook. (2017, September 15). Retrieved from Central IntellegenceAgency : https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html
Zimmermann, K. A. (2017, December 11). Chinese Culture: Customs & Traditions of China. Retrieved from livescience.com: https://www.livescience.com/28823-chinese-culture.html
ASSIGNMENT 4
What was Learned
China’s economy has moved from a closed planned system to a market oriented system that plays a major global role. It is noted that in 2016, China has the largest economy in the world, world’s largest exporter, and the largest trading nation in the world. China’s purchasing power parity is estimated at 23.12 trillion and the exchange rate is estimated at $11.94 trillion (cia, n.d.).
Brazil
Brazil is the eighth largest economy in the world; however the country is recovering from a recession ranked as the worst in the country’s history (cia, n.d.). Proposed economic reforms aim to slow the growth of government and reduce barriers to foreign investment. It is noted that Brazil is a member of the Common Market of the South, which includes Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela (cia, n.d.). The bloc increases trade and investment. Brazil’s estimated purchasing power is $2.081 trillion and the exchange rate is estimated at $2.081 trillion.
What Needs Further Investigation
With regards to China, the company should look further into their per capita income due to being below the world average.
The economy in Brazil had been greatly affected by corruption and due to sanctions their business opportunities are limited. The company should further investigate Brazil’s current reform policies and existing public debt.
Which of the Two? China or Brazil?
I would recommend doing business with China. China is one of Unites States’ primary trading partners in manufactured goods. China’s manufacturing enterprise employment has increased every year since 2002 estimated at 99.0 million(Lett & Banister, 2009, pg. 34). Manufacturing employment in the United States estimated at 14.2 million.