Learn More: In Search of a Company that Lives up to its Goals
Practical work experience makes it clear that many companies claiming to put their people first do not live up to their high-sounding words.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) has a widespread reputation as an innovative company and a good place to work. At HP's home page, click on the main menu item "Company Information," then select "About Us." Choose the topic titled "Corporate Objectives," and read about HP's goals. Then explore other topics under the "About Us" heading, such as "Diversity," "Government and Public Affairs," "Jobs at HP," and "Global Citizenship." Use the information you find to answer the following questions.
- What specific evidence did you find for any or all of the corporate objectives?
- How confident are you that HP lives up to its intentions about managing people? Explain.
- Would you like to work for HP? Why or why not?
Check It Out
Implementing a motivation scheme can be challenging for managers. Some managers simply don't have enough money to reward every employee appropriately, and some employees aren't even very motivated by money. There are a number of books and publications that suggest "alternative" rewards for employees, things other than money that employees might value. One of those articles is found at the
Foundation for Enterprise Development Web site.
- After reading the article, suggest at least five things, other than those specifically mentioned in the article, that a manager could do to reward and motivate employees.
- What one thing, other than money, would be most motivating to you?
