British Airways Compared to the Hilton Group of Hotels - Assignment Example

Name Course Date Instructor PART ONE The history of the Barclays bank is perhaps one of the most effective case studies that exist. Its management structure may be presented as shown in the chart below. The organization’s management structure may be said to assume a bureaucratic nature given that there is high interdependence on the approval of systems and polices on each level. On a closer look, one may understand the complexity of the banks managerial system. This may further be complicated by the fact that it has operations in several nations. This means that these structures have to be aligned in order to fit both the international outlook as well as the characteristic of management systems in the individual nations. This system though may be seen as essential in the case of the bank since the polices formulated have to be in such as way that they reflect what the bank stands for in all its branches. This means that the hierarchical system somehow ensures that there is a universal application of systems and polices in all its branches both locally and internationally. Such a culture and structure ensures consumer confidence since they would be comfortable to be served in a system they are familiar with even away from their borders. In addition, there is the consideration that a bank primarily deals with monetary issues that must be handled sensitively and there therefore the need to have a somehow tight mechanism through which polices and vetting can be done The company has taken up what may be seen as a hierarchical culture in which matters are dealt with in some order and system through managers who are tasked and seen as highly qualified to handle these tasks. The hierarchical culture is basically structured in such a way that there are a set of bureaucracies that have to be followed in carrying out the various duties (Bearrdwell & Holdel, 97). This may be seen where most of the company’s systems have to pass through every level of management which is necessary. Partially, this may be understood from the point of view this is a monetary institution and there would be need for systems to be water tight to take care of any faults that may mislead decision making processes in the organization. This system allows employees and clients to have a system or protocol that they can follow in channeling some of their queries or submitting suggestions. This thus ensures that there is a flow of communication hence eliminating misunderstandings that may rise. This system and culture may be motivational to employees who may want to climb to the next level of the company’s management. It is often looked at as one that manifests power and important decision making processes to the top most managerial offices. Nonetheless, the hierarchical structure is also seen to be a bit technical when there are processes that need to be passed especially when on individual countries This system allows for the division of labor since managers at each level are aware of their tasks and duties. In addition, employees can easily launch complains since they are aware of the most relevant officials to handle that particular query. The system also gives room for recognition of various influential persons within the organizations for policy making processed and procedures. PART TWO Effective human resource management in an organization is essential for the success of the organization since it is largely believable that human resource is the key driver of any aspect of the organization. British Airways is a renowned employer of human resource management theories guided by the nature of their business. In this study, human resource management theories applied at British Airways will be compared to the Hilton Group of Hotels. It is established that British Airways strives to offer competitive salaries to employees as a way of optimizing employees’ performance and contribution to customer satisfaction. This may be seen as a way to ensure that employees are motivated and their efforts and contribution to the organization are recognized. Similarly, the Hilton Group of Hotels is known to embark on training programmes that are geared at enhancing the performance of their employees while ensuring that they are kept adept with emerging issues. From a closer look at the strategies by both companies one can cite the use of classical methods of management especially in consideration of the fact that these organizations are keen on improving the human resource at an individual level. Classical models of human resources management acknowledge that by naturally, workers feel motivated by both material reward and a working environment which recognizes and offers a balanced situation of division of labor. There is also the retaliation that both organizations are keen on bringing on board women people with high level of expertise in their particular fields. This is another advocacy of the classical human resource model. To some extent though there is the use of human relations model in both organizations. For instance, there is the existence of workers unions in both organizations. The human relation theories tend to emphasize on the fact that there is need for human resources to form friendship socialize and enter into groupings that would make the working environment friendly and more conducive while emphasizing the importance of leadership in an organization(Ulrich,67 ). These companies thus may be said to be compliant to these theories in those particular ways. There is observation that these theories are indeed of great contribution to the organizations. To start with, they provide a system through which human resource in the organization may be governed or better still enabled to work in a way that would ensure maximum productivity. For instance, in the aviation industry, as is the case of British Airways, there is need to know who handles what technical aspects and how customers may need to be taken care of. Similarly, the hospitality industry may require such division of labor so that matters to deal with the comfort of guests and their well being are dealt with by the most appropriate personnel. To improve the human resource technological alignment and periodical training would be required. Bibliography Bearrdwell, Ian & Holdel, Len. Human Resource Management A contemporary perspective,1994, London:Pitman Publishing. 95-100. Ulrich, Daves. Human Resource Champions. The next agenda for adding value and delivering results, 1996, Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press. 63-85 Read More