Chapter Five

Concept and Brief Description: This chapter was very informative. Going into business, I am realizing that I have all these pre-conceived notions that I never knew I had. It is mainly about strategic planning and knowing about all the little things so that informed and wise choices can be made. For example: I always assumed that companies hated giving over-time, when in the book it talks about the cost of paying current employees over-time is actually cheaper than hiring and training new employees. Downsizing has always seemed harsh for the laid off employees, but the effects that it has on the business later down the line is far worse. Interesting stuff.

Emotional Hook: In one survey recorded in the book 80 percent of people laid-off end up being replaced because the company realizes that that person was actually irreplaceable.

Key Points: 1. Methods for figuring supply and demand to determine the amount of workers needed-interesting process and wise 2. Downsizing- hurts worse than it helps 3. Referrals- By far the best way to find employees. A good recommendation from someone you know to be a good, hard worker means so much more than a piece of paper 4. Recruiter characteristics- the book says that not many recruiters can make a big difference because people already have their minds made up about the job. But at the same time, they can work wonders if they wish to.

Facilitative Question: How can we balance affirmative action with hiring solely for the qualifications they have?