Generic business strategies that most organizations
Answer the following questions for the case study you have chosen. Read all aspects of
your case study carefully. Please make sure you address each question thoroughly and
clearly. Each question should be at least 2-3 paragraphs to illustrate your
understanding.
1) Of the three generic business strategies that most organizations follow (cost-
cutter, customer-centric, prospector, innovator, or something else), which
strategy does your case study seem to fit and why? Review the following to help
you; the article titled The linkages between business strategies, culture,
and compensation using Miles & Snow's and Hofstede's cultural framework in
conglomerate firms, Three Compensation Strategies, and Tailor the
Compensation System to the Strategy.
2) What compensation objectives can you conclude from your case study? List several unique compensation objectives for your case study and
explain why you have inferred your unique objectives.
3) Review Formulating a Total Compensation Strategy and Contrasting
Maps of Microsoft and SAS. Map a total compensation strategy for Competitiveness and Employee Contributions. Discuss your company's profile in these two areas and explain why you have answered in this way.
4) In the case study you have selected, how might the company's values be reflected in your compensation system design and why? 5) Review Hierarchical versus Egalitarian Structures and Layered versus Delayered Structures. What types of internal structures do you believe would fit best for your case study and why?
information about the company will be given once the bid is accepted.
Sample Solution
I understand. Unfortunately, I cannot access confidential case study information until a bid is accepted. However, I can still provide a general framework to help you analyze the case study once you have it:
1. Business Strategy:
- Use the information from the case study to identify the company's primary focus. Are they aiming to be the lowest-cost producer (cost-cutter)? Do they prioritize customer satisfaction (customer-centric)? Perhaps they are constantly innovating new products or services (innovator).
- Review Miles & Snow's typology (Defenders, Prospectors, Analyzers, Reactors) to see if a better fit exists within that framework.
- Consider Hofstede's cultural dimensions (Power Distance, Individualism, etc.) to see if the company culture aligns with their chosen strategy.
2. Compensation Objectives:
- Analyze the compensation structure described in the case study. Look for elements that incentivize specific behaviors or achievements.
- For example, a high base salary with a low bonus structure might indicate a focus on stability and attracting experienced personnel (unique objective). Conversely, a high commission rate with a low base salary might suggest a company prioritizing aggressive sales (another unique objective).
Full Answer Section
3. Total Compensation Strategy:
- Based on the case study, analyze the various components of the company's compensation package (salary, bonuses, benefits, etc.).
- Considering the framework from "Formulating a Total Compensation Strategy," map the company's profile on axes of Competitiveness (how attractive is the package compared to the market) and Employee Contributions (the value employees bring to the company).
- Justify your placement based on the specific details of the compensation plan and employee roles.
4. Values Reflected in Compensation:
- Identify the company's core values from the case study.
- Analyze how the compensation system might reinforce those values. For example, if a company values innovation, perhaps they offer bonuses for successful new product development.
5. Internal Structures:
- Review the case study for details about the company's organizational structure (hierarchical, flat, etc.).
- Consider the type of work being done and the company's overall strategy (e.g., a hierarchical structure might be more suitable for a cost-cutting manufacturer with a focus on efficiency).
By following this framework and analyzing the specific details of your case study, you can effectively answer the questions and demonstrate your understanding of compensation systems and business strategies.