Analysis of Harrods: Recruitment, Motivation, and Employee Behavior

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Harrods' people management practices. It begins by examining the company's recruitment and selection process, detailing the use of job advertisements, job descriptions, and person specifications. The report then delves into the application of different motivational theories within Harrods, highlighting how the company strives to engage and develop its employees. Finally, it explores the factors that influence employee behavior, including elements that enable effective cooperation and contribute to organizational success. The report uses Harrods as a case study to illustrate key concepts in people management, providing insights into how the luxury retailer attracts, motivates, and manages its workforce. This analysis is designed to provide a clear understanding of the strategies Harrods employs to manage its employees and achieve its business goals, with a focus on practical applications within a real-world business setting.

Managing People in
Organisations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK...............................................................................................................................................1
1 Process of recruitment and selection followed by Harrods with purpose of job
advertisement, descriptions and person specifications...........................................................1
2 Different motivational theory in context of Harrods...........................................................5
3 Elements that affect behaviour of an individual and the factors that enable effective
cooperation.............................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Workers are known as one of the biggest assets of business organisation. Performance
and their attitude is the one that results in either success or failure of a company. Management of
people is known as one of the most difficult parts of job of a manager (Griffin and Moorhead,
2011). As manager is the one who remains responsible to lead, encourage and inspire them and
at the same time hire, fire, provide training as well as examine their performance also comes
under responsibility of a manager. People management is known as the management of human
resources which consists of the process of recruitment, providing support and direction to
individuals (People management, 2018). During managing people at workplace, the focus of
manager must remain on hiring the right candidate. Proper training should be offered to new
employees so they can perform their job roles in an effective manner. Dealing with individuals
under his/her own direction is one of the significant tasks a manager face. Unlock the potential of
candidates is known as one of the keys to achieve business success. HR manager do various
efforts to bring coordination among various business functions (Bush and Middlewood, 2013).
For managing employees and their actions at workplace, it is very essential for manager to
formulate better and effective policies related with management of human resource. Various
factors that impact on behaviour of employees should be also considered by manager. Harrods, a
luxury store based in London is considered under this report for study. Company has a workforce
of 4000+ employees. Aim of entity is to increase involvement of employees in business decision
and activities. Process of recruitment and selection followed by firm is detailed in this report.
Further, major factors that impact on behaviour of employees at workplace is all given in this.
TASK
1 Process of recruitment and selection followed by Harrods with purpose of job advertisement,
descriptions and person specifications
Process of recruitment is the one in which manager attracts large number of skilled
candidates to fill the vacancies at workplace or to perform various roles and responsibilities.
Selection is the one in which employer takes the final decision of recruitment and choose the best
candidate to perform a specific job role at workplace. Both recruitment and selection are known
as one of the important process of every business entity as this contributes a lot in success and
growth of company (Bolman and Deal, 2017). Workers are the one who perform various roles at
workplace and support enterprise for achieve its set goals and objectives. Without them company
1

cannot complete its project and cannot satisfy the needs of its customers. This is the main reason
why recruitment and selection is known important for an entity. Every aspect requires to identify
and examine by recruiter before recruit a candidate for perform a specific job at workplace as
this provide positive outcomes to firm. Harrods use the process of recruitment consist various
stages that support reach final goals. Mainly various tools and methods of recruitment are there
which can be employ by an organisation to fill vacant position. Internal method of recruitment: Under this method of recruitment, recruiter examines
the skills of existing employees working in firm in order to identify if there is any worker
who is able to perform high level job roles. In this, a skilled employee gets promotion to
high job role. With this type of recruitment, before taking the final decision, manager
examines the skills and knowledge of employees for choosing the best one. One of the
main benefit of this type of recruitment is that it encourages staff members to work well
and enhance their morale. External method of recruitment: This is one of the most effective method of recruitment.
In this, with help of job advertisement manager invite candidates to fill a vacant position.
Individuals interested in job apply for the same and they employer take interview to
examine their roles and to identify that candidate had required skills to perform the job or
not. Proper induction and training is provided to the candidate choose through this
approach (Daniels, Tapscott and Caston, 2011). This process of recruitment is very costly
and time consuming but at the same time this brings innovation in firm and provides
better and effective outputs.
 Third party recruitment: Today various firms and organisations are there that provide
job to individuals as per their requirement. Sometimes, enterprises collect information
from these agencies to recruit the candidate with required knowledge and skills.
All these are the major approach that employ by Harrods to select the vest candidate for a
specific job role at workplace. Identify the main factors which impact on recruitment process is
very essential for firm as this help in save their time and cost, at the same time support in find
right candidate for a job (Osland and Turner, 2011). Various stages are involved in the
recruitment and selection process of Harrods to select the best candidate. First step involve in the
process of selection is identify the skills required to perform as job. This support in set the
standards and make the process of selection easy. After that, in second step manager of Harrods
2

conduct an interview with help of either telephone or video and examine their skills and
knowledge. For this recruiter conduct test and examine various other aspects. After that all
candidates are invited for a group discussion by HR team. In this interview of applicant with line
manager take place. At last, in selection of Harrods, all candidates are invited to analyse their
skills and other specific talent.
Overall a step by step and effective procedure is follow by Harrods to select the best
candidate and utilise available resources and funds at an optimum level. Job description, person
specification and job advertising are the major factors of recruitment and selection process of
Harrods. All these are required to examine in order to increase the effectiveness of recruitment
process. Main purpose of all these can be understood by the points given below: Job description: This is a written document that contains information about all roles,
responsibilities, duties and main functions of a specific job at workplace. This highlights
the main features and contents of a given job (Renz and Herman, 2016). Mainly this is
formulate to specify major roles of an individual for a particular position in enterprise and
which bring transparency in business functions. Consider this during the process of
selection is very essential for Harrods as this support in recruit right candidate for a given
job. Sample of job description of Harrods is given below:
Marketing manager
Job description: An individual is required for develop and maintain brand image for entity to
get a competitive advantage. Individual required to have effective skills of communication,
further he should be able to formulate and implement an effective marketing strategy. Candidate
should have knowledge and information about the effective use of communication channels to
promote firm’s products and motivate target audiences to buy the same. Further, manager
remains liable to report higher authorities to get information about routine business operations.
Requirements:
 Degree of marketing management from a recognised college or university.
 Strong and effective skills of communication. Good knowledge about use all promotional and communication channels.
Skills in chosen member:
 Individual required to be capable to identify, develop, manager and implement
marketing and promotional activities for promote products and services of firm.
3

 Candidate required to have a working experience of minimum 3 years in any reputed
firm as a marketing manager.
 Individual should have basic information about marketing concepts and tools.
Job advertisement: This is refers to the document that is printed on a paper or in an electronic
form that consists information about the requirements of skills and knowledge that should in an
individual for being selected for a job (Drucker, 2012). Harrods also use this for make the
individuals inform about the vacant job at workplace. Mainly this is used to attract skilled
candidates to perform a specific job. Enterprise use direct, appealing and informative data to
attract more candidates. Further, job advertisement for a position of marketing manager at
Harrods can be understood by the following:
JOB ADVERTISEMENT FOR MARKETING MANAGER
Department: Marketing
Job type: Full time
Location:
Harrods is in search for a marketing manager with creative ideas for formulating better and
unique marketing strategies. Performance of brand in market, examination of consumer profile,
market research and all activities related with marketing will be handle by the individual. It is
very essential that candidate should be able to to develop events related with marketing of
company's products further it is important that candidate should be good in prepare and
maintain budgets.
Candidate required to be able to manage the whole marketing team effectively. Further,
individuals should be visionary and should have positive attitude and must have innovative
ideas and plans for the firm.
Candidates who have a mind to think from customer point of view, Harrods wants to hear from
them. Interested candidate can apply on our website and Facebook.
HR director
….....
Person specification: This is another type of document that contains information about
the attributes that should be determined in an individual. This is more specific if one compares
4

the same with work description. One of the main benefit of this is that it contain information
about the knowledge, skills, attributes, qualification and abilities that require to be in an
individual for perform roles and responsibilities of a specific job. This supports in highlighting
the main skills and attributes which firm is looking for. Further, person's specification of
marketing manager of Harrods is as follows:
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS DEMANDING
Experience as a marketing
manager in an enterprise.
4-8 years Minimum 4 years
Knowledge Necessary Demanding
Abilities and knowledge in
areas of sales and marketing.
Diploma in Marketing. B+ Grade
Required qualification Necessary Demanding
Graduation in marketing
Masters in marketing
Minimum experience as
working in marketing.
B grade
Personal attributes Necessary Demanding
Effective communication
skills, influencing personality,
ability to use mix of marketing
tools in an effective manner.
Individual should be involved
in different type of
communication and marketing
strategies.
English and Spanish.
2 Different motivational theory in context of Harrods
Motivation meaning: - This can be stated as the way of doing something in enthusiastic
way so that certain objectives can be attained. In this company, it is highly essential to utilise the
skills and abilities for individuals for attaining goals of company.
Harrods can be stated as one of the top most luxury sector which is located in UK and
thus mainly deals in designing bags, luxury gifts, fashionable products and manufacturing up of
5

both of menswear and women wear for the full demand of customers. Moreover, for improving
the brand value this company mainly gives importance to innovation and sensation in order to
beat up all the challenges or rivalry (Anheier, 2014). Besides this, main focus is on growth and
development of employees for which systematic framework which is being formulated for
development from training and career advancement for them.
If there are certain tasks which are being performed by employees, it is needed for
appreciating them by rewards and recognition. Example can be taken up of Harrods provides the
benefits under the schemes and it can be like offering car benefits for the staff which provide
help in retention and motivation for employees along with boosting up of talent among
individuals. There are various modifications within the environment which are coming up in
rapid manner so it is needed for the company to have the coordination and thus adopt the
alterations within their structure (Alexander, 2013). Managers of Harrods mainly provide the
guidelines for having flexibility with every kind of corporate culture. There are various theories
for boosting up the morale level for the workforce which are being stated below:
Abraham Maslow has given the needs of Maslow's Hierarchy which is being utilised for
evaluating out the hierarchical needs of person. This kind of act is being utilised as the
motivation factor for every kind of workforce when theory is being applied. Moreover, it was
beings stated that the motivation is being provided for attaining the needs and desires for taking
preceding over others. It is being divided into the final stages in the form of deficiency along
with want of success. Theories can be described as follows: Physiological needs: - This kind of need is being considered as the basic need of human
being which is being needed for fulfilling the basic need of individual. This mainly
includes shelter, food, sleep, water and clothes (Wiig, 2012). These can be stated as one
of the most essential needs which are required to be fulfilled. Example can be taken up of
Harrods which is a big company and it is the duty of HR to make sure that the basic
needs are being fulfilled for attaining objectives. Safety needs: - When physiological needs of individual are satisfied then he or she
should worry about the professional stability and well-being security of himself and her
relatives (Daley, 2012). For instance, Harrods involves expansive worker base which
expect professional stability and well-being so they gave them benefits by giving
protection offices on the off chance that if any representative or their relative experience
6

the ill effects of any issues then he or she should significant by these arrangements and
for employer stability increased in value by prizes and acknowledgement. Social belonging: - When the above needs are being satisfied then this kind of stage
becomes the concern for interpersonal contact and feeling of cohesiveness. In this kind of
Friendship, intimacy and along with this family relation are on the priority list. Esteem needs: - These are the needs which are mainly related to the status, recognition,
reputation and respect from others. This kind of need is basically found within the
corporate world where every kind of employee desires for motivation through appraisals
at the time where they are giving out best in terms of performance (Goleman, 2017). For
example: employees of Harrods who are being rewarded by the cars and other kind of
benefits at the time of performing well in certain task.
 Self actualisation needs: - If all the needs are being fulfilled within this level then the
focus can be on personal desires which in form of passion or dream can be completed.
Advantages and disadvantages of Maslow Hierarchy theory:-
Merits Demerits
 It can be stated as logical theory as it
will help in determining the individual
for doing something and thus fulfil the
needs.
 Needs satisfying are not the motivators
and in this example can be taken up of
Harrods managers which should keep
their focus on unsatisfied needs of
employees.
 Skills and abilities can be acknowledged
by the leader for an employee.
 This is not being considered as an
accurate theory in the real life.
 Needs and wants hierarchy are not the
same for all kind of employees which
in turn can bring out demotivation
factor.
McGregor Participation theory:-
This kind of theory is being developed by Douglas McGregor in year 1957. He mainly
subdivided this into theory X and theory Y in which there is certain assumptions which have
7

been made by different kind of organisation. Hence, theory of X managers of Harrods which can
draw up the assumption regarding the subordinates which are being stated below:
 Work is being disliked due to which it is being avoided.
 Adopting laziness and ignoring the higher responsibilities.
 Work is not the same as per organisational goals.
Therefore, Harrods employees must consider all the above factors and thus take the corrective
measure for avoiding out the issues arises from it.
Theory Y:
 Employees are self-determined who mainly focuses on completing the work without any
kind of excuses.
 They are mainly targeted for the daily work in order to have the appreciation and
rewards.
 All the responsibilities should be taken in smooth manner.
Both theory X and theory Y are not similar in nature form each other so that they can
make balances under the strategic management. There are various kind of policies and strategies
which are being made by Harrods and thus, they inspire the weak employees by the strength of
workers by organising some programmes.
Advantages Disadvantages
 This is very effective technique in order
to provide the motivation to the
employees who lack somewhere.
 Motivation is being given for high level
of performance.
 Hostile and uneasy atmosphere by the
theory X.
 It is difficult to use both kind of
theory with one another.
Recommendation: It has been analysed from the above three motivation is one of the
essential factor for uplifting the level of morale of employees. Moreover, these theories can be
utilised by the company on the different phase of the situation for taking the utmost level of
advantages. Hence, the strategic level of Harrods needs to be evaluated in order to determine all
the pros and cons of the three theories in order to evaluate the positive and negative factors from
this. Besides this, Harrods is UK based company has many of the employees working within for
attaining the common goals and objectives. This will in turn provide the motivation and thus will
8

improve the feeling of enthusiasm. There are the rewards which must be adopted on the basis of
entire level of performance of employees. Effective and better training should be given for
creating the professionalism and thus provide the guidance for adopting the innovative sales
techniques in order to communicate with the clients. Major objectives behind this are providing
the maximum level of satisfaction to the target audience.
3 Elements that affect behaviour of an individual and the factors that enable effective
cooperation
Large number of employees and candidates work in an enterprise and perform different
kind of roles and responsibilities. Every individual work and behave different from the other.
Various factors are there that impact on behaviour of an individuals which affect the actions
taken by them in enterprise (Baird, Jia Hu and Reeve, 2011). Structure of firm and environment
at workplace largely affect the behaviour of staff members. Process in which employees perform
their job roles required to be examine by firm as this support manger in identify the areas of
improvement and make them inform about the requirement of change. Further, this supports how
to introduce change at workplace. Numbers of factors are there that impact behaviour of
employees at workplace which affect the success and growth of entity. Elements impact on
actions and decisions of workers both in positive and negative way. So identify all those factors
and manage the same is very essential. Behaviour of a human is one of the complex but at the
same time important to understand (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014). Actions, decisions and
behaviour of employees get affected as per the situation exist in market and this impact final
outcome of firm. Various micro and macro elements are there that impact on culture and
structure of an entity in different manner.
One of the main focus of Harrods is to introduce some changes in its organisational
structure because current structure of firm is hierarchical and contain so many layers. This
increase delays in business operations and increase cost of firm. Now the enterprise is focusing
to adopt a matrix organisational structure for reduce the layers and to achieve its set goals and
objectives in an adequate manner (Bolden, 2016). Main feature of this organisation structure is
that it encourages participation of employee’s indecision making process. Further, company is
engaged to determine the major factors that impact on behaviour of individuals and cooperative
working structure. These elements can be better understood by the points given below:
9

 Social- cultural factors: This aspect contains the elements that develop in society and
impact on behaviour and attitude of individuals in different ways. This indicates the
relationship of an individual with people living in society such as their family members,
peers, friends, individuals of social groups and many more. Further behaviour and actions
of other employees also impact and shape the actions of others. Every business entity
enjoys its own culture, value and beliefs which direct the behaviour of their employees.
All this give shape to the business operations execute by company and impact on its
growth (Dalkir, 2013). This is one of the factor that require to be consider by Harrods
while decide its future actions and plans. With this, cooperation can be achieve among
various business functions and at the same time firm can achieve its set goals and targets. Legal environment: This consists written rules, regulations and laws that define the
standards behaviour of an individual in a society. Every enterprise uses various legal
policies in order to reach its set goals and objectives (Yates and Paquette, 2011). All
these policies define way that support in develop and maintain a flexible environment.
Further, this brings transparency in various business functions and at the same time
increase contribution of employees in growth of firm. Psychological factors: This is one of the factor that largely impact on behaviour of an
individual at workplace. Mainly this consists mental factor which guide an individual to
perform in the right manner as per the situation exists. These elements support in improve
the performance of staff members at workplace (Keller, Parameswaran and Jacob, 2011).
Values, attributes, personality and perception of an individual are all covered under this.
These factors of an individual require to be modify as per the business conditions and
situation to create and maintain a cooperative business environment (Influences on
Individual Behaviour in the Workplace, 2018). These elements impact on actions and
decision which an individual take at workplace. For example: Values and beliefs of an
individual are the one that guide him about what is desirable, good and acceptable. Political factors: This indicate the political conditions exist in a nation in which an
individual live. There are some factors which impact on employment rate, amount of
investment and many more (Barrow and Mosley, 2011). All this affect the recruitment
and selection policy of entity. This should be consider by the manager of Harrods during
10