Human Resource Management, 3rd Edition

Chapter 1

Creating Value Through Human Resources

A MANAGER'S PERSPECTIVE

MIGUEL DISCONNECTS HIS PHONE AND BREATHES A SIGH OF RELIEF. THE JOB OFFER IS EVERYTHING HE HOPED IT WOULD BE. HE IS PRETTY CERTAIN HE WILL ACCEPT THE AUDITOR POSITION IN A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT HE WANTS TO DO A LITTLE MORE RESEARCH FIRST. TWO YEARS AGO MIGUEL TOOK HIS FIRST ACCOUNTING CLASS AND INSTANTLY KNEW WHAT HE WANTED TO DO FOR A CAREER. HE LOVES THE STRUCTURE AND LOGIC OF ACCOUNTING. PUTTING ALL THE NUMBERS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AND MAKING SURE THEY ADD UP GIVES HIM A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. NOW HE JUST NEEDS TO BE SURE THAT HE IS JOINING THE RIGHT FIRM.

As Miguel reflects back on his day of interviews with the firm, he recalls a number of insightful conversations. One thing that impresses him is the firm's strong reputation for excellence. In the last few years, he has seen many of his friends lose their jobs. Seeing their pain has steered Miguel toward business organizations that he feels are unlikely to have financial difficulties. He knows that profitability is one key to success. But why is the firm that is offering him a position so profitable? Of course, much of it has to do with the firm's excellent operating procedures. From everything he has learned, the firm is simply superior at meeting customer needs. According to some of the managers who interviewed him, being profitable helps the firm ...