Running head: COMMUNICATION, GROUP BEHAVIORS AND STRATEGIES Communication, Group Behaviors and Strategies 1 COMMUNICATION, GROUP BEHAVIORS AND STRATEGIES 2 Communication, Group Behaviors and Strategies In this fast paced environment, large organizations are faced with the challenge of hiring new employees. Such is the case of Global Shared Services, McDonald's Corporation, as explained by Anderson in his book. (Anderson, 2016, Ch. 7). For many of these new hires this opportunity could be their first job experience. During week 3 of the University of Phoenix Leadership class, we have discussed in a team environment the communications and group behavioral issues that might arise in an organization hiring employees for their first job. There are many aspects to consider developing a strategy to attract and maintain good employees. Moreover, a company’s structure may be a new setting for the new employees. The concept of a leveled management may become a confusing situation. Due to the fear of facing management, new employees will fail to communicate their issues effectively or may tell the story to the wrong person. Another issue that may arise is cultural difference misunderstandings as well as language barriers that may have a foundation on the employees’ backgrounds and countries’ of origin. Much of the actual workforce at McDonald’s is diverse. "McDonald's values state their belief that a team of well-trained individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences…”.(Anderson, 2016, p.138). Diversity offers creativity but it also poses many challenges. Furthermore, hiring a new employee that has not worked before would grant the benefit of a "clean slate" but this brings other challenge. You are not aware just yet of the character of the person. The first impression may be long lasting but if the employee is not engaged or has other issues such as low self-esteem. These hires will prove difficult to train. COMMUNICATION, GROUP BEHAVIORS AND STRATEGIES 3 Management needs to be able to convey the vision in an effective manner and ensure proper flow down to all levels of the organization in a timely and effective manner. In all cases, training is a must. From the highest levels of leadership to the new unexperienced hires we have discussed. "Strategic communication ensures that the impact of your message is consistent with your intention and results in understanding. Effective communication creates organizational meaning. Organizational meaning produces the context in which the entire organization operates". (Anderson & Adams 2016, p. 119). When reading the Case 2 on our textbook, one can immediately tell by the statistics presented that McDonald's training system is very effective and highly focused on producing leaders for the long run. McDonald's has an exceptional hiring and employee development program based on the Leadership Circle Profile and developing the areas that are weak in an employee's behavior. As Anderson states, "employee development will reduce high labor turnover and employee development will reduce the cost of training as a result of hiring new employee if the labor turnover increases". Soon after The Leadership Circle was introduced, the Shared Services organization evolved into Global Shared Services (GSS) and became the first global function at McDonald’s. McLaurin recalls: “We needed to build a diverse, global team with leaders who could expand beyond their current capabilities.” He wanted to establish leadership effectiveness as a priority early with the team he was building and leverage the Leadership System to make this a reality. Diversity matters. I was gladly impressed after reading the article "McDonald's shines for the opportunities it offers female employees: Big rise in percentage of women in management", (Human Resource Management International Digest, 2014), that a key benefit for the first time COMMUNICATION, GROUP BEHAVIORS AND STRATEGIES 4 female employees is flexibility. The employees can even exchange schedules with their close relatives and family members that also work at McDonald's in order to meet their family demands and also allows them to learn and grow professionally. McDonald's benefits also include an LCP for their new hires and special care is placed upon the development of the leadership areas that are lacking. "Flexibility is a key pillar of our employee-value proposition and our commitment to offering flexible working helps to attract a diverse workforce that connects with our broad spectrum of customers. In conclusion, McDonald’s company has developed and follows a proven system that works for them. Their holistic approach to attracting and developing human resources evolves according to the specific challenges it faces. Their approach has become an example for the current worldwide organizational needs. Founder Ray Kroc, once said, “As long as you’re green, you’re growing.” McDonald’s supports this philosophy and commitment to their people by providing opportunity, nurturing talent, developing leaders, and rewarding achievement. COMMUNICATION, GROUP BEHAVIORS AND STRATEGIES 5 References Adams, W. A., Anderson, J. J. (2016). Mastering Leadership: An integrated framework for breakthrough performance and extraordinary business results. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Human Resource Management International Digest, 01/2014, Volume 22, Issue 1 Jennifer Kinder, 2016. What are Group Dynamics? - Definition & Theory
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