This document provides guidance for a week 4 discussion on organizational strategy and employee performance. It discusses exploring job design, job training, and performance appraisal systems and how they impact and are impacted by organizational strategy. Students are prompted to choose one of these topics, discuss how it relates to organizational strategy and its strengths and weaknesses in terms of HR approaches. They are then asked to read and respond to other students' posts on different topics.

1. Week 4 Discussion
Organizational Strategy and Employee Performance
Last week, you explored the topic of job analysis. When
conducting a job analysis, a manager develops a description of
the duties performed in a position. However, effectively
designing a position goes much further than simply listing
duties. It includes building in strategies for training, review,
recognition, and clear direction and responsibilities. Part of the
role of the human resource manager is to design jobs in such a
way that the employee feels motivated and appreciated,
resulting in a higher level of performance.
This week, you explore the importance of job design, job
training, and performance appraisal systems. You explore
performance development actions that contribute to supporting a
diverse workforce. You also explore how organizational
strategy influences each of these areas. Based on the readings
for this week, consider how organizational strategy is enhanced
or hindered by each of these functions.
With these thoughts in mind:
Select a topic from this week’s readings that interests you the
most.
Consider a real-world situation that relates to or could be
addressed utilizing primary concepts from the assigned
readings.
Post by
Day 4
an answer to the following questions:
How does this topic impact organizational strategy?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of HR approaches (job
design, job training, or performance appraisal systems) related
to the chosen topic?
Your post should be approximately 200–250 words in length.
Use the
Week 4 Discussion Template

2. (located in this week’s Learning Resources) to develop a draft
of your statement. Then, post your finalized statement to the
Discussion Thread.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
Respond by
Day 6
to two or more of your colleagues’ postings who chose a
different topic in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question related to your colleague’s chosen
approach.
Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
Offer and support an opinion regarding the colleague’s strength
or weakness.
Make a suggestion to your colleague about how to capitalize on
a strength or overcome a weakness.
Expand on your colleague’s posting.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to
your initial posting. Note what you learned and the insights you
gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Be sure to support your work with specific citations from the
Learning Resources and any additional sources.
Week 4 Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be
sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned
Learning Resources. To access select media resources, please
use the media player below.
Required Resources
Readings
Stewart, G. L., & Brown, K. G. (2014).
Human resource management: Linking strategy to practice
(3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
Chapter 8, “Measuring Performance and Providing Feedback”
(pp. 292–333)

3. In this chapter, you are introduced to the various methods and
frameworks for a job design and the type of factors that need to
be taken into consideration as part of this design process.
Approaches to and relationships between job design, job
redesign, and organizational strategy are also discussed.
Finally, you review the steps involved in using a strategic
framework for job redesign.
Focus on
the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review the
different steps involved in job design and what factors may
affect the outcome of a job design or redesign. Consider how
managers can use the strategic framework presented. Ask
yourself how implementing this strategic framework can
positively impact employees.
Chapter 9, “Training for Improved Performance” (pp. 334­–377)
In this chapter, you explore the important elements necessary
for designing an effective training program. You gain an
understanding of how well-designed training and development
can improve performance. Finally, you are introduced to
different methods for evaluating a training program.
Focus on
the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and
think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter
that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. From a
manager’s perspective, consider the different techniques for
development and training that assist employee orientation. Ask
yourself how an effective training program can improve
retention.
Chapter 10, “Developing Employees and Their Careers” (pp.
378–412)

4. This chapter explores some of the major choices regarding
career development plans, as well as the process involved in
performance assessments and feedback.
Focus on
the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and
think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter
that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the
various methods of performance appraisal presented. How can a
manager ensure that they are implementing all of the
requirements for an effective performance appraisal system?