1. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 1
Human Resources Role in Target Corporation
Stephanie J. Jones
Dr. Coronel
MBA 533
12/11/11
2. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 2
Introduction
Human resource is an appellation used in referring to the workforce of an
organization or company. Human resource management is involved in the act of putting
together employees in an organized manner to assure the objectives of the organization are
achieved in acompetent and experienced manner. Human resources are the most
importantservices of any organization since they are the catalysts of non-human resources
and the medium for developing competitive advantages and sounds of creativity. No
organization can exist without a human resources department (Walsh, 2009). Acompany
without an HR department would be reducing its operations and could collapse within a short
amount of time.
The Target Corporation is a large American retailer with its headquarters in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. and was founded
in 1902 as Dayton Dry Goods Company, even though the first store opened in 1962. They
grew and became the largest division of Dayton Hudson Corporation, culminating in the
company being renamed as Target Corporation in August 2000. Target announced its
expansion into Canada on January 13, 2011 and has an aim of operating over a hundred
stores in Canada by 2013.Target Corporation sells as well as retail goods in their department
stores.
There are several ways of collecting data for analysis for this paper. Questionnaires,
one on one interrogation, online research and organizational newsletters are among these
ways. The method chosen to collect data for this particular paper is online research and
organizational newsletters. The purpose of the paper is to assess human resource management
and its effect on the employees of the Target Corporation.
3. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 3
Job Design
Job design refers to deciding the contents of a certain job, or job analysis (Ivancevich,
2010). It is repairing the duties and responsibilities of the job holder, how to perform the job
and define the relationship between subordinates, superiors and colleagues. This should be
clearly defined in a company’s policies and procedures, to assure that employees adhere to
them. Any explanation needed with regards to job descriptions should be answered by senior
management of a company, preferably the human resource manager.
Job design involves the comprehension of several issues in any company. A company
has to ordain job analysis and confirm the support of top management. Job analysis includes
reviewing existing job details and should be communicated to employees and management.
Job design helps to reduce or curtail job dissatisfaction amongst employees in the workplace,
since employees are involved in what they like most (Roberts, 1997). It creates rotation since
an employee is able to learn how to perform multiple tasks in the organization.
Employees can interact when the necessary job design is implemented. Job design
increases productivity in a company since employees are fully motivated to work. Also, it
ensures the chain of command is used, if correctly followed in an organization. Job design
assists balance requirements of any job with human aspects. A poorly executed job design
results in a higher rate of employee turnover, more conflicts and other industrial related
problems.
There are many factors that can affect job design in an organization.Job scope should
be properly described, at all times. A narrow scope implies less challenge,allowing no chance
for developmentvia management. A wide scope on the other hand, will produce the over
worked management and may result in distress, dissatisfaction and loss of control. Job design
should offer full time challenges at the workplace. Managers’ efforts should be fully utilized
4. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 4
to ensure efficientuse of time, during working hours, as this might make managers over-step
their authority and distress the workstaff.
Putting a manager’s skills into effect, before his job design is put into place, is
essential. Not everyone is gifted or talented in the same manner so, a highly skilled manager
should be given a job with a lot of challenge. A manager should also be flexible and open to
learning new skills for future promotions and job opportunities. Jobs should also be flexible
enough to accommodate managers according to their skills and experience.
Managers responsible for job placementshould keep in mind the organizational
requirements and culture, since all companiesdo not have the same job design. Individuals
should be flexible enough to fit into the culture of an organization (Grote, 1996).
Target Corporation has a very detailed job design that clarifies the responsibilities of
employees in their various departments. They have a strong and effective job design in place,
since it is a constantly growing company. All the departments at Target coexist very well
with one another and this has allowed continued success over years. Not one department
works independently. Instead, they are all connected, which allows them to assist one another
in their duties and with the customers.
There is a thorough screening process before any candidate is hired. An intensive
interview is conducted, allowing only the most qualified candidates an opportunity for
employment. Canvassing is not tolerated, as this leads to automatic disqualification from the
selection process. All the employees at Target wear the same company uniform throughout
the entire organization. Name tags are worn by each personwith no title showing on the tags,
which eases tension in a new employee who may notice a supervisor via a name tag.
Employees must conduct themselves with professionalism and courteousness, at all
times. Protocols or systematic approaches are observed in solving any organizational issue.
Employees have their work clearly detailed to them, in job descriptions of their respective
5. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 5
departments. This reducesthe potential for problemsin regards to job distribution. This job
design seems to work for Target as it has decreased turn-over in the past years. Employees
are more focused while working, than they were before and managers and other team leaders
are able to build relationships with their respective teams. Productivity has increased due to
an efficient job design adopted by Target.
Training activities
Training is a necessity at Target, as it takes a newly hired person through the
necessary steps of their position, before they assume their responsibility. It occurs before the
employeebegins their job. Usually, it is given by a company trainer or leaderwith vast
experience in the company’s operations. Ample time should be given to the training aspect of
the job, as this will have an overall effect on a company’s activities. A company should lay
out necessary steps to be used in training before the hiring process is completed. The human
resource manager should ensure that new hires are given an all-round training experience
pertaining to the job they are to assume (Kinlaw, 1997).
Training enables a company to adapt and utilize technology advancement, since it has
a staffequipped with knowledge. Training increases efficiency of any team and also assiststhe
improvement of motivating the staff. It is through training that companies have confidence to
venture into new markets, since the employee base is well knowledgeable. In small
organizations, and some large organizations, training helps increase employee retention as
well as decrease the need for supervision. This makes it easier on management to involve
themselves in other issues that involve the company’s operation as a whole.
Training should be done in an orderly fashion and there are manysteps that need to be
followed. Organizational objectives should be kept in mind and the need for training on the
side of employees. An assessment should be conducted to ascertain whether there is any type
of gap between employees and senior management. Training objectives should be clearly
6. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 6
laid out, so as to conduct an organized training. Departments and employees in need of
additional trainingshould be observed,to improve time management when training individuals
who need it.
Not every method works for all trainees, therefore, effective methods of training
should be formulated to suit everyone, individually or as a group,in a company. The trainer
should put into place an efficient method of evaluation to make sure training has an impact on
the trainee afterwards. First, a trainer needs to understand where the training is needed
sothere is little time wasted when establishing if trainees really require what is being offered.
Supervisors and managers should understand that training making an employee more
effective, productive, and efficient. Management should not limit training to fit its company,
but should also consider offering additional training to better educate their employees, even
outside a company’s premises. Some issues need little training and/or training
materials.Some materials are sent to employees via e-mail for them to read and learn by
themselves and ask questions later.
Target Corporation gives every new team members a detailed plan of all the technical
training and leadership training, which they will be undergoing. This information is available
during the first ninety days of employment and is offered in Spanish with over fifty modules.
Training materials are published for the Human Resources department sand translation for
key operational tasks are done in both English and Spanish.
Team leaders and supervisors are also given intensive training themselves, which
focuses on tools and experiences needed to become a better leader. This encourages every
team leader and supervisor at Target with the knowledge, that they are well equipped with
materials which enable them to make rational decisions, at all times. There are also week-
long assessments, year-long development series and shorter development programs for
7. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 7
nomination-based leadership development programs for potential leaders at all levels of the
company.
Target upholds training for all employees because management understands that an
employee is better positioned to perform well, when given adequate training. Managers
believe in their employees’ capabilities and therefore offer them great training allowing
employees to rise to any challenge. An employee at Target is open to work at any department
since training offered is all inclusive. Employees feel respected, valued and appreciated while
working, which contributes to the growth of the company.
Also, the employees’ morale is boosted by the education and training that is provided
to them. They perform their tasks with confidence and ease. Quality products are evidence to
show that employees do not just work but they give their best to make sure the image of
Target Corporation is appreciated even in the outside world. Employees understand the
culture of Target Corporationthru their training, hence making it easier for employees to
interact well with one another, and without reservations.
Recruitment Activities
Any company needs to be sure that vacancies are available long before placing
notices. This will ensure that a company is not over-staffed. It is also the responsibility of the
management to assure that current employees are not under-staffed resulting in them being
over-worked. Recruitment refers to finding qualified candidatesthat the company feels are
suited to achieve the goals set by the company and improve its operations (Ivancevich, 2010).
It is the enlistment of people for various vacancies that have arisen within the company.
Recruitment should not be for short term placement, although these particular needs
are needed.In these particular situations, the company may hire temporary workers, to help
with the extra work load. Management should understand that recruitment is the first process
8. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 8
towards creating a competitive workforce that will give them a competitive edge over other
companies, in the same industry.
Recruitment is not just hiring qualified individuals, but, is a lengthy, procedural
process that takes time. It begins when a company becomes aware of a vacancy.Usually,
departmental leaders are the ones who report an open position to the Human Resources
department, in case of need to hire. Departmental leaders have to specify number of positions
and people needed to fill these position, as well as, the duties and qualifications to be
performed. Preparing the job description for these vacancies should be done with the
specifics required to fill those vacancies. The company then needs to list sources of
employees required. They may source for the individuals internally or may opt to outsource,
or hire externally. Hiring externally calls for an extensive way of advertising for each
vacancy. Some companies however, prefer using recruitment agencies to do the whole
process of recruitment on their behalf.
Once the advertisements, job posts, and notices have been placed, individuals may
apply for those vacancies.A company uses its recruiting department to chooseexperienced
individuals according to given qualifications required. The chosen candidates are then called
for interviews by someone from Human Resource department.
Recruitment is affected by several factors. Top management may decide to
recommend individuals referred to them by fellow supervisors in the organization, or from
within. This is because the recommended individuals have a special relationship with top
management. Such occurrences may cause a company to hire employees that don’t have the
skills and qualifications needed to perform the job. On the other hand, it can have a positive
affect too, allowing the company to hire someone from within, saving time and resources
required, to train them and to bring them to the level of other employees. Recruitment is also
9. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 9
affected by time of production. When production is increased, a company hires be it casual or
permanent employees, to ensure continuity in production.
Target Corporation, being a large company, has a well-defined recruitment process. It
may decide to hire internally but may also hire the services of recruiting agencies. Since
recruitment is done through the Human Resource department, Target Corporation has a
developed department that is able to coordinate all other Human Resource departments. It is
clearly described in the company’s policy that any applicant who canvasses in any way is
disqualified from the hiring process.
In its quest to strengthen its team with the most qualified individuals, Target
Corporation holds job fairs at universities, colleges and other training institutions. While
doing this, they conduct various career conversationsand interviews with people in those
institutions. The recruiting panel at Target Corporation also attends organized networking
events to enable them access to diversified candidates.
There is also a designed Target Recruitment Application form that potential
candidates complete. Candidates are required to fill out the application with their
employment and education details, achievements, skills or training, availability, references
and right to work details. Candidates are also expected to sign a privacy statement that
specifies the details they provide are true as this is also verified by references the candidates
provide.
Selection Approaches
After the recruitment process is performed, a company then begins the process of
selecting viable candidates for the positions available. The selection process is not usually
very long since a company already has all the information needed,from the candidates who
have applied for various positions. From this point, it is only a matter of making decision
10. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 10
from applications received and the interviews done. The best candidates are then selected if
there is no interruption from senior management.
A typical selection process at Target Corporation begins with an initial screening
completed by Human Resources, followed by two or more interviews, which are conducted
by potential supervisors. Interviews at Target Corporation are structured, that is, they are
conducted as per a predetermined outline. The selection process is open which ensures that
competitive candidates are chosen for the positions that are vacant.
There is no complicity between potential candidates and the top management at
Target Corporation. This makes it possible for competitive candidates to be picked for the
open positions. Also, it improves the confidence of the candidates since they are sure that
they will havean equal chance of being selected. This openness of selection allows employees
to be sure that growth is merit based, but, not on the basis of whom one knows in within the
corporation.
Performance Appraisal Systems
This is also referred to as employee appraisal, career development discussion or
performance review. It is a way of evaluating one’s job performance in terms of quality of
work, quantity of work, cost and time. This evaluation is done by the employee’s immediate
supervisor. It assesses an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, successes and opportunities
for growth among others. Performance appraisals help management to make decisions with
regards to more training and suitability of promotion, from one position to another.
Performance appraisal is aimed at giving employees feedback on their performance,
in order to help them identify areas that require more training and/or education. It also helps
in forming a basis for human resource management in making decisions in regards to
promotions, salary increases, and award of certificates for good performance, as well as,
disciplinary actions and bonuses if any. Performance appraisals aid the facilitation or
11. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 11
improvement of communication between manager and employee. Employees may benefit in
receiving additional coaching, development and counselling.
Performance appraisals can be performed in various ways. Management may decide
to use questionnaires where employees are requested to answer questions, though this is done
in the presence of a supervisor. This type of appraisal helps bridge gap between employees
and their supervisors. A company may also choose to use 360-degree appraisal where an
employee is assessed by managers, peers, subordinates and customers. This type of appraisal
gives the manager a better view of the employee on whom appraisal is being done.
Target Corporation has a unique appraisal system. Employees receive a positive
approach which isn’t intended to intimidate the employees but rather to motivate them to
work harder and achieve success. It is usually conducted by immediate team leaders or
supervisors of respective departments. This appraisal happens periodically, and may be
monthly or yearly, depending on the managements’ decision. It usually takes a longer period
of time as compared to other companies, since Target Corporation is an international
company.
All appraisals for every employee should be received by the top management
whenever an appraisal is to be conducted. The method of appraisal to be employed depends
on the market and the season. It is virtually impossible to conduct appraisals when it is a busy
time of season, since production time will be wasted. Target Corporation management
handles performance appraisals in off season times, since this will not affect production as
much. Employees are usually informed of when their appraisals willtake place and where
they will be performed. The place varies upon the location, since all employees can’t meet at
headquarters, as it wouldn’t be cost efficient for both the employees and the employer.
Appraisals at Target have helped improve employees’ confidence in the company and
has also decreased turnover. Employees are able to work more effectively, efficiently and
12. Human Resources Role in Target Corporation 12
they also maintain the company’s culture. The management has earned the confidence of
employees since no conflict has occurred in the past with regards to promotion and salary
increments.
Promotion systems implemented
Promotion refers to changing an employee from a lower position to a higher position.
This usually comes after performance appraisals have been completed on employees. It is
based on merit as well as hard work, on the side of employees. Promotion boosts employees’
moral, helping them to develop trust and respect for the company. Promotion is usually done
if vacancies arise in higher positionswithin an organization. It may not be implemented if
there aren’t any places for employees to move up the ladder in the company.
At Target Corporation, promotion is implemented immediately after performance
appraisals are done. The way promotions are done at Target Corporation has encouraged
employees and helped to own the company since they know that at some point they will get
positions higher in rank. This has allowed employees to be more focussed and work
diligently, in effort to try and move up the ladder.
Production has increased and quality of products and services has been relatively
high. The opening of other branches in the U.S. and other parts of the world is also an
opportunity for employees to grow. This is because the new branches will absorb employees
who have received a nod of promotion from top management.
Pay parts and other benefits
Target Corporation pays $6.25 to $8 an hour, for entry level positions
(www.jobnob.com, 2011). It also offers health care insurance to employees which are a bit
restrictive. Target dropped health care insurance for all casual employees. However, they
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offer multiple health care plans to their employees based on the geographic location, as per
the company’s handbook for employees.
Target is a flexible place to work, for employees who want part time or full time jobs.
Target’s 401(k) plan for retirement is among the best in the retail industry. It matches dollar
to dollar, up to five percent of total contributions made by employees. All employees receive
a ten percent discount on most merchandise purchased.
These benefits have made employees work productively and efficiently. Target has
also expanded in recent years as a result of employees’ devotion in marketing, as well as,
offering goods and services to its customers. This has made loyal customers in the company
therefore, allowing guaranteed growth.
Supervisory styles
There are several types of supervisory styles that can be applied in any company. This
has to be applied effectively so as to make sure that goals of a company are not compromised.
It is also necessary to have experienced supervisors as this will ensure that work is done in
the best way possible. Supervisors should be able delegate, train, coach and communicate to
subordinates.
The various types of supervisory styles are authoritarian, Laissez Faire,
companionable and synergistic supervision (www.answers.com, 2011). Authoritarian
supervision is based on the belief that the team requires continuous supervision probably
because of immaturity as staff may attempt to work less, needing closer supervision. Laissez
Faire supervision allows employees to be free to use their talents to perform their duties. It is
based on the expression, “Hire people and get out of their way.” Companionable supervision
is where supervisors create a friendly environment because they avoid confrontation with
staff. Synergistic supervision is a cooperative effort whereby staff and supervisors work
together, in an attempt to solve problems that might have risen in the course of work. This
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type of supervision is dedicated to helping staff develop their problem solving abilities and be
solution focused, enabling them to grow in their careers.
Target Corporation applies the Synergistic type of supervision blended with the
Laissez Faire type of supervision. This helps employees to use basic reason even in the
absence of supervisors to solve problems that might arise. It allows employees to become
self-sufficient and develop their supervisory skills. Employees support supervisors and vice-
versa, so errors are minimized.
Employees at Target Corporation are content with this type supervision since it
ensures their growth. Productivity is of high quality and efficiency of employees is also
commendable. Also, employees’ morale has increased since they are sure of job security
having earned respect amongst their supervisors. Many of them become long term
employees, since job satisfaction is almost guaranteed.
Conclusion
Target Corporation is a large company that has been growing in the recent past. This
is evidenced by the many stores that have continued to be opened in several parts of the
world. However, in any company, there has to be opportunities for growth and Target
Corporation is not an exemption (Rowley, 2004).
Target Corporation has been involved in several community service drills. This
should be upheld and improved as this will help improve the company’s image in the outside
world. A company’s involvement in community service is also a form of advertising its
products and services.
Target Corporation has an exceptional health scheme for employees and this has
enhanced job satisfaction amongst employees. In the retail industry, this company has a
competitive health scheme for its employees. However, all workers should be given a
uniformed medical plan whether they are full-time or part-time. When the medical plan was
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removed for casual employees, this affected production adversely so; bringing this back will
definitely work for the company.
The wage per hour should be increased since currently; it is low, compared to the
prevailing market conditions. Employees have researched and proven that other companies
are offering better terms and the management should respond to this by giving a pay increase.
The type of supervision employed at Target should continue as is because this has led
to a strong bond between employees and supervisors and also increased production in the
corporation. The company should organize more employees’ supported functions, to ensure
employees know and understand one another. This would increase teamwork and production,
as a consequence. A strong bond between employees is an assurance of quality production.
Employees will complement each other and work together towards achievement of goals, if
they know, respect, understand one another.
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References
Grote, R.C. (1996). The complete guide to performance appraisal. New York: Amacom
Ivancevich, J. (2010). Human Resource Management (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill
Irwin.
Kinlaw, D. (1997). Handbook of Leadership Training Activities: 50 One-Hour Designs. New
York: McGraw-Hill
Roberts, G. (1997). Recruitment and selection: a competency approach. London: Institute of
Personnel and Development
Rowley, L. (2004). On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull's-Eye. New York:
John Wiley & Sons
Walsh, D.J. (2009). Employment Law for Human Resource Practice. Stamford: Cengage
Learning
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companies. See Salaries. | Jobnob.com. Retrieved December 11, 2011, from
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