Global Context An HR manager works in South Africa for a U.S.–based company and

Question

Global Context

An HR manager works in South Africa for a U.S.–based company and reports to the owner. The manager has recently had two experiences with the owner that have left the manager puzzled about the next best step.

In the first instance, the owner ordered HR to terminate a local employee who had resisted the owner’s marketing ideas. “Just find a reason and fire him,” the owner says.

In the second instance, the owner directs HR managers in all overseas operations to roll out a 360-degree assessment program. The owner believes this assessment approach has been very effective in the U.S. and will improve management performance in the company’s remote operations.

The HR manager has delayed responding to the owner about these two issues for a couple of days but must act soon.

choose the correct option and provide the explanation for why that option is correct.

B. How should the HR manager respond to the direction about implementing 360-degree feedback?

1. Say that it’s a good idea that is worth trying and learning from.

2. Implement the system but review feedback before forwarding it to the home office.

3. Call the owner to discuss why cultural differences may make implementing this approach difficult.

4. Send a “Reply all” e-mail, explaining the academic grounds for the approach used in South Africa.

Explanation / Answer

In my opinion, the best possible step which can be taken by the HR manager is;-

3. Call the owner to discuss why cultural differences may make implementing this approach difficult.

Reason:-

Implementing a 360-degree feedback system is a good practice but it is not the solution to all the issues and sometimes it may not be a good idea. One of the biggest issue with this system is that it is not so easy to properly structure the 360 appraisal system which creates an environment of trust as both the manager and employee provide feedback related to each other.

Apart from this, the main focus of 360-degree method is on behaviours and competencies rather than on basic skills, job requirements, and performance objectives. In fact, only the manager and employee can address the issues related to the skills, job requirements and performance against objectives. Apart from this, the working culture also plays a very significant role in this regard. For example, if the country is like the USA where everyone is free to express his or her opinion and criticism and feedback is taken in a positive manner, this system will be effective than the countries where a working style is more of an autocratic in nature.

Thus before accepting the implementation of this method in the entire organization, HR manager must discuss the probable issues with the implementation of 360 appraisal system.

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