HRM at Apple: Training, Recruitment, and Promotion Strategies Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Apple's human resource management (HRM) practices, focusing on the critical areas of training, recruitment, and promotion strategies. The introduction highlights the importance of effective HRM in fostering business growth and achieving a competitive advantage, particularly in a multinational technology firm like Apple. The literature review delves into the significance of these strategies, emphasizing their impact on employee satisfaction, knowledge enhancement, and organizational performance. It explores various recruitment tools, such as referral incentives, consideration of past candidates, and the use of social media. The report also examines the impact of training and promotion on organizational performance, highlighting how these strategies contribute to employee motivation, skill development, and overall productivity. The study concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of aligning HRM strategies with the overall business objectives of Apple. The report is a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of HRM within a leading technology company and offers insights into how effective strategies can drive success.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Significance of training, recruitment and promotion strategies...................................................2
Tools for recruitment...................................................................................................................4
Impact of training and promotion on organizational performance..............................................5
Impact of recruitment, training and promotion strategies on Apple performance......................6
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
In the modern era management of human resource has become important for every
business as it is directly associated with the growth and development of business in the market.
Further, presence of effective training, program along with recruitment strategies provides large
number of benefits to business. Moreover, every organization operates at international level and
to sustain in the market it is necessary to focus on recruitment, promotion etc (Grossman and
Salas, 2011). Effective management of human resource provides long term benefits to business
and in turn assists to service customers in better manner. Further, it is well known fact that firms
operating in the market are dealing with the issue linked with training and recruitment of its
workforce so that market performance can be enhanced with the help of this.
In the present study issue linked with training, promotion and employee recruitment has
been considered which can provide sustainable competitive advantage to business. Further, for
conducting research organization chosen is Apple which is a multinational technology firm
headquartered in California. Business designs and sells consumers electronics which involves
software, electronics etc. Company like Apple carries out its operations in different market and
has worldwide presence (Tang and Tang, 2012). Further, to operate efficiently it is required for
business to focus on employee training, recruitment etc so that all the operations of the business
can be carried out in efficient manner. Organization has to deal with this issue in appropriate
manner as proper management of staff members can directly support in accomplishing overall
goals and objectives of the enterprise. Apart from this, it is well known fact that company like
Apple carries out operations in the market where competition level is high and due to this basic
reason management has to focus on recruitment, training along with promotion strategies so that
employees can be satisfied in appropriate manner.
At present Apple is dealing with the issue of employee recruitment, training and
promotion as business is not able to design effective strategies for managing its human resource.
Further, business operates in environment where changes take place rapidly and to deal with
such type of change it is necessary to undertake effective strategies which are associated with
management of workforce within the workplace (Lovelock, 2011). In short, gaining competitive
advantage is one of the main aim of every business and for the same it is must to design different
strategies which can provide base to company in carrying out overall operations in the market.
All the operations carried out by Apple are of complex nature and this increases importance of
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indulging into practices of designing effective strategies linked with recruitment, training etc.
Main competitors of Apple are Sony, Blackberry, Motorola, Nokia etc. Therefore, to operate
efficiently in the market it is required for business to focus on the key strategies of human
resource management and in turn this can provide long term benefits to the business. Apart from
this, it is possible to grab opportunities which are being present at global level and same can be
obtained for future growth in the market (Parente and Strausbaugh-Hutchinson, 2014).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Significance of training, recruitment and promotion strategies
As per view of Arthur (2012) for effective management of human resource it is necessary
for business to employ effective training, recruitment and promotional strategies. Further, it
supports in enhancing satisfaction level of workforce which is necessarily required for carrying
out overall operations in the market. Rendering training as per need and requirement of staff
members supports in enhancing the knowledge level along with skills. Further, organizations
operating at international level requires workforce which is capable enough to handle all the
major operations of the business (Arthur, 2012). At global level company like Apple serves large
number of customers and this is only possible when effective training strategies are present
through which knowledge level of staff members can be enhanced easily. Moreover, effective
recruitment strategies are also required through which it is possible for business to employ right
candidates who is fit for the job and capable enough for conducting overall operations.
However Saks, Haccoun and Belcourt (2010) argued that, for any business it is not easy
to design effective recruitment strategies. Further, for hiring knowledgeable workforce it is
necessary to indulge into practices of creative recruitment strategies such as social networking,
considering past candidates, sponsoring events and school clubs etc. In short, it can be said that
absence of effective recruitment strategies has adverse impact on business as company may not
have right candidates for managing its key operations (Saks, Haccoun and Belcourt, 2010).
Further, stage of recruitment is considered to be most important on which success and failure of
enterprise depends. Moreover, gaining sustainable competitive advantage depends on the type of
recruitment strategy employed by company for obtaining best talent and is efficient enough in
carrying out overall operations in the market.
As per view of Gberevbie (2010) promotion strategies employed by business also plays
significant role where organization has to set some criteria on the basis of which additional
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benefits can be provided to its workforce. Further, it is well known fact that promotion of
employee strongly depends on the type of work being carried out. Therefore, it is also considered
as one of the main challenge where business has to decide on what basis its workforce can be
provided promotion. Assigning more roles along with responsibilities to the staff members
enhances their motivation level and in turn they prefer to take initiative for the welfare of
business (Gberevbie, 2010). Apart from this, it is considered as the key to organizational success
and boosts overall productivity of the firm in every possible manner. Further, in case when work
done by staff members is highly appraised by management on continuous basis then it becomes
easy for enterprise to gain competitive advantage and acts as development tool for the business.
In international market company like Apple has adopted best practices of training, recruitment
and promotion where staff members are delivered appropriate environment to work and they are
highly appraised for the work done.
According to Breaugh (2012) strategies associated with promotion, recruitment etc has to
be designed keeping in view overall requirement of the business. Further, training is delivered to
staff members by considering the environment in which firm operates and sometime lack of
effective training strategies employed can prevent business from accomplishing desired goals
along with objectives. Apart from this providing promotion to staff members assist in
development of the enterprise and it becomes easy to sustain in the market for longer period of
time (Breaugh, 2012). Recruiting right candidate within the workplace is also significant for the
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company as in case if candidates appointed are not fit for the job then it becomes difficult for
management to carry out overall operations in the market. However Rehman (2012) argued that,
effective recruitment strategies allows business to gain competitive advantage and through this
internal capability of the business increases to work with skilled workforce. Further, large
numbers of ways are present with the help of which it is possible for business to work with
individuals who are capable enough to carry out business operations (Rehman, 2012).
Tools for recruitment
There exist large number of recruitment strategies which are effective and encourages
growth of business. As per view of Gardner and et.al. (2012) it depends on the nature of
company the recruitment strategies undertaken for hiring efficient workforce. Referral incentive
is considered to be one of the most effective strategies where existing staff members of the firm
can refer their colleagues and friends. Further, it is well known fact that present staff members of
business are well aware about the culture of business and they can be provided monetary benefit
in case if they refer any new employee (Gardner and et.al., 2012). Considering past candidates is
also one of the effective way through which recruitment within the enterprise can take place.
Further, it is well known fact that the data present within the firm in relation with its past
candidates is fruitful and in turn it can assist in hiring efficient workforce who may be capable in
carrying out business operations.
According to Noe (2010) sponsoring school club along with events can be fruitful for
company as through this business can attract candidates who are looking for job. This can be
beneficial for business and in turn lesser efforts have to be applied in hiring the candidates who
are fit for specific position in the company. Moreover, job consultancy along with external
agencies is also present who provides direct support to business and they can easily meet with
the requirement of human resource. Apart from this, hiring with the help of social media is also
considered to be most effective where business can publish requirement on networking sites and
through this interested candidates can easily apply for specific position in the organization (Noe,
2010).
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Effective recruitment strategies enhance organizational capability to deal with the range
of challenges being present in the business environment. Skilled and talented workforce can
allow business to easily survive in the competitive market and in turn it becomes easy to enhance
internal strength of business for serving customers in better manner (Grossman and Salas, 2011).
For instance if company like Apple relies on networking sites and career website for recruiting
skilled workforce then through this it is possible for business to gain competitive advantage. It
can provide large number of benefits to company in near future and can also improve overall
operations which are being carried out.
Impact of training and promotion on organizational performance
Training plays most important role in organization as it is associated with the
development of skills and knowledge of employees so that they can assist business in performing
better. As per view of Unwin and Wellington (2013) at international level every business has to
develop effective training strategies with the help of which it is possible for company to survive
in the market. Apart from this, it allows business to deal with market challenges and in turn
overall performance can be enhanced easily. Further, large number of employees works in an
organization and it is possible that some may not have right skills to operate efficiently ( Unwin
and Wellington, 2013). So, training supports in satisfying need of workforce and it is possible to
obtain long term benefits. When training is imparted to staff members in different areas then it
enhances their confidence and they prefer to take more initiative for the welfare of organization.
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Apart from this, promotion also plays most significant role within the workplace where
employees are assigned higher responsibilities along with other type of benefits which boosts
their satisfaction level. However Silberman (2011) argued that employees working in the
organization have some sort of expectations from management and same can be accomplished if
appropriate benefits are delivered to them in the form of promotion etc. It enhances motivation
level of the staff members and in turn higher efforts are applied for boosting organizational
productivity. By giving promotion to employees on the basis of their skills and knowledge can be
fruitful for business and assist in accomplishment of desired aims and objectives. In short,
expectations of the staff members can be easily met when they are provided proper growth
opportunities within the workplace which is only possible within the help of effective promotion
strategies along with training, recruitment etc (Silberman, 2011).
Presence of effective promotion strategy can allow business to work for the welfare of
staff members and this in turn can assist company in gaining competitive advantage. Apart from
this, to work for the welfare of staff members is one of the toughest tasks for organization and
this issue can be resolved when firm focuses on their development in terms of recruitment,
training etc (Gegenfurtner, 2011). Large number of companies operating in the market has
employed appropriate promotion strategy where they are assigned different roles and
responsibilities on the basis of their performance. So, this can be highly beneficial for business in
every possible manner and can support in grabbing opportunities being present at the global
level.
Impact of recruitment, training and promotion strategies on Apple performance
Apple carries out its overall operations in wider basis and human as a resource is
considered to be most important for business. Therefore, business strongly focuses on employee
recruitment along with training strategies. But on the other hand, various issues are present
which business has to deal with such as how to recruit skilled workforce, what are the effective
training strategies etc. In short development of different type of plans is one of the major
challenges being faced by business. No doubt, requirement of skilled workforce in case of Apple
is very high and same can be accomplished when business employs effective recruitment
strategy (Tuten and Ashley, 2011). At present, business is using its career website, networking
sites, external agencies etc for hiring skilled workforce and such strategies are efficient enough
to provide long term benefits to the business. Further, business prefers to perform its recruitment
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practices with the help of internal sources only as it is reliable and valid too. At present overall
performance of Apple has enhanced in the market as compared with past due to presence of
effective recruitment strategies and it has provided long term benefits to business.
Further, management of Apple strongly focuses on training where different tools are
employed with the motive to enhance knowledge along with skills level of the staff members.
But one of the main issues being faced by business is to determine which technique of training is
effective and can be employed so that employees can perform better. Apart from this, delivering
training to workforce on continuous basis is costly for business and due to this reason entire
training program is designed in appropriate manner (Boone and Kurtz, 2013). Moreover, training
needs of workforce within Apple is high as organization operates on wider platform and has to
serve large number of customers in different market. Basically on the job training methods are
preferred by business with the help of which their motivation level is enhanced and it is
considered to be beneficial for organization. Further, it is necessarily required for business to
ensure that training is supporting organization to perform better in terms of gaining competitive
advantage.
Presence of effective training program has assisted Apple to gain competitive advantage
where staff members apply different skills in conducting crucial operations of the business
(Kozlowski and Salas, 2009). Moreover, it enhances their confidence level and employees are
able to know whether they are working as per expectations of the management or not. In short,
training needs of staff members are identified by the company on continuous basis and
development programs are carried out accordingly. Apart from this, market trends are changing
on continuous basis due to which training needs within Apple has increased. It is directly
associated with the success and growth of business in the market. In short, one of the main
reasons behind brand popularity of Apple in the market is its effective employee recruitment and
training strategy.
Apple as a brand is well known in the entire market and company is directly supported by
its skilled workforce (How to Staff Your Organization Like an Apple Store, 2012). Employees
present within the workplace supports them in every adverse condition and this contributes in
growth of business. Further, market where Apple operates is highly challenging and changes take
place rapidly due to which training is imparted to workforce so that they can easily deal with
unfavorable situations faced by company. One of the main motives of business in the market is
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to enhance its productivity and gaining competitive advantage which can be accomplished by
Apple through proper management of its human resource. Further, proper growth opportunities
are provided to the staff members in terms of promotion and this enhances confidence level of
workforce where large number of operations can be carried out efficiently. Moreover, in the
entire market Apple is well known for its recruitment strategy where business believes in
retaining skilled workforce who can support in its innovative activities. Further, the successful
product of business such as Iphone is the real outcome of its effective training along with
recruitment strategy (Olaniyan and Ojo, 2008). All the staff members are interested in taking
active participation in the business affairs and this has assisted business in gaining competitive
advantage. Each and every customer is well satisfied with the range of products offered to them
and this highlights the recruitment along with training strategy of Apple.
Apart from this, Apple has designed unique training program where on the job training
methods are basically employed. Further, business focuses on internal learning where staff
members obtain learning by sharing information with one another. This is fruitful for entire
business in every possible manner. At every store Apple has appointed skilled workforce who
serves large number of customers on daily basis (Shen, 2005). Moreover, customer base of
Apple is also strong and the basic reason behind same is proper response from employee’s side.
Further, it is well known fact that serving customers as per their expectations is the key to
organization success and it is possible when business has undertaken effective strategies for
recruiting and providing training to the workforce as per their needs.
Further, requirement of training differs from one employee to another and due to this
reason management of Apple ensures that training program designed is capable enough in
development of workforce or not. It has enhanced confidence level of the staff members where
they are able to conduct internal operations more efficiently and they supports in
accomplishment of overall aims set (Dirani, 2012). Apart from this, company like Apple is well
known in the market for managing its human resource where no individual prefer to leave job
and their contribution in business activities is also high. Further, business modifies its operations
on continuous basis and every employee voluntarily accepts the change being implemented
within the workplace. So, this has directly allowed business to gain competitive advantage and it
has become possible to grab the long term opportunities being present in the business
environment.
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On the other hand, it is well known fact that for any business to gain competitive
advantage is difficult as different challenges are present in the market which company has to deal
with. Therefore, by focusing on recruitment, promotion and training strategies for employees
Apple is able to operate efficiently in the market and is regarded as leader in the market. Proper
growth opportunities are provided to the workforce by assigning them roles and responsibilities
along with additional benefits (Apple's Secret Employee Training Manual Reinvents Customer
Service in Seven Ways, 2012). This also boosts motivation level of workforce and they are able
to meet with the objectives of business. But on the other hand, organization has to face
difficulties while designing recruitment, training and promotion strategies as it is possible that
every staff member may not prefer the strategies developed by business. It is required for
business to ensure that strategies designed are capable enough to manage human resource within
the workplace and this enhances the chances of improving market performance. Sometime,
training program designed by Apple is not effective and this leads to decline in motivation level.
Therefore, this issue has to be tackled by business in appropriate manner and provides large
number of benefits to company.
Apple has undertaken the concept of continuous learning within its workplace where each
and every employee actively participates for enhancing knowledge level along with skills. This
program has assisted staff members of Apple to work for the development of innovative products
and same are offered to target market (Silberman, 2011). Apple’s promotion strategy is also
effective where higher duties are assigned to the employees after considering their performance
within the workplace. Apart from this, staff members are highly satisfied with the working
environment provided to them along with the growth benefits delivered. So, this also contributes
in organizational success where it becomes easy for company to survive in the competitive
market for longer period of time. Further, company is expanding its operations worldwide on
continuous basis and due to this reason significance of appropriate recruitment strategy is must
as through this long term sustainability becomes easy.
Delivering appropriate training to workforce supports them in dealing with the
challenging tasks in organization and has allowed Apple to stand on top in the market in terms of
employee satisfaction. Apart from this, all the staff members are capable enough to meet with the
expectations of customers and this is also one of the main reasons behind growth of Apple in the
market. Moreover, issues linked with recruitment, training and promotion are easily tackled by
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business and due to this reason operations of firm are carried out smoothly. Further, sometime it
is possible that promotion strategies of business are not effective and due to this reason
employees are de-motivated. Therefore, this issue is also considered as significant by
management where responsibilities are assigned keeping in view capability of every individual
and is fruitful for business in every possible manner (Tuten and Ashley, 2011).
Effective promotion and training strategy has assisted Apple to retain its most talented
workforce for longer period of time and is one of the reason behind success of business.
Company is easily able to deal with the challenging tasks present in the external environment. In
short, it has enhanced internal capability of the business and firm is able to deal with its major
competitors in the market. Therefore, with the help of this it can be stated that company like
Apple is obtaining benefits of effective training strategy and through this level of knowledge
within staff members is enhanced easily.
CONCLUSION
Hence from the entire study it can be concluded that in order to gain competitive
advantage over other market players, the strategy for recruitment selection and training plays a
very important role. Apple is able to gain competitive advantage through presence of effective
recruitment, training and promotion strategy. Furthermore, Competitive advantage can be termed
as a situation where people in market prefer to buy the products of one particular organization
over other market players.
Apple is one of the leading and most renowned brands in the world. The organization has
adopted fair and transparent strategy related at the time of carrying out recruitment of
personnel’s. This helps in getting more qualified and skilled human resources which directly
contributes in getting competitive advantage. On the other hand, training session is also arranged
for employees to enhance their knowledge skills and creativity. The promotion of workers is
done on the basis of their efforts and hard-work. Therefore, the strategies related to Recruitment,
training and promotion has created sense of satisfaction among employee of Apple's and has
encouraged them to give their best in order to gain competitive advantage over other market
players. This is gained by the new, innovative and unique ideas which are provided by highly
skilled and motivated human resources of Apple.
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