Question

FlanCrest Enterprises is a mid-sized auto supply company that manufactures electronic components for cars. It has approximately 200 employees, with about 150 working on the production line. Its primary customer is Widespread Motors, a large international auto manufacturer. Widespread Motors primarily sells their cars based on price, aiming to make the prices as low as possible in any particular market segment. The cars may not have as many features, but still operate and cost less than those of their competitors. FlanCrest, under the direction of Widespread, has been asked to reduce the price of its electronic components for the next order due to competitive pressure in the market for Widespread's best-selling car. To cut its prices and keep its biggest customer, FlanCrest announces that they will be eliminating the popular community college tuition reimbursement program and eliminating all overtime for production workers.
Which of the below choices most accurately describes the new HR strategy at FlanCrest Enterprises?
a. Commitment, because they are demonstrating commitment to the development of their workforce
b. Control, because they are attempting to control employees within the workplace
c. Commitment, because they are demonstrating commitment to their key customers
d. Control, because they are attempting to minimize labor costs

Answer 1

Answer: d. Control, because they are attempting to minimize labor costs

Explanation:

By trying to reduce labor costs, FlanCrest is engaging in a Control HR Strategy that will see them control the costs being expended on human resources.

This case shows how Controling activities such as cost cutting can be done to keep customers because if FlanCrest did not do what they did, they might have lost Widespread Motors as customers.