Hershey's Sweet Mission - Redesign of Hershey's Performance Management System

Hershey's Sweet Mission

Human Resource Management Foundations - HRM 500

January 19, 2012

Redesign of Hershey's performance management system

Hershey's mission in terms with its employees is "winning with an aligned and empowered organization, while having fun." (Hershey Company). The Hershey Company's current performance management system is designed to build a workplace environment that embraces diversity while seeking new approaches and continual improvement. The company's redesign system takes into consideration the age distribution of the workforce by providing training to the different generations. Hershey's research and development group created a mentoring program for the workers in their twenties. This program pairs it newly hired personnel to its more experienced baby boom workers. "The baby boomers tend to be interested in leaving a legacy, making the world better, so they generally are enthusiastic about mentoring their younger colleagues" (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2011). Hershey redesigned performance management system has also appealed to the younger generation's "eagerness for challenge, autonomy, and results, the redesign was a bottom-up effort, in which people throughout the company set goals and track progress on projects (Noe et al(2011). The adoption of the system is seen to be effective in measuring business results and to check whether the results are achieved in line with the Hershey's core values. My recommendation to the redesign of Hershey's performance management would be to keep their current performance management system.

Interpret the values that Hershey embraces in relation to your role.

As a human resource professional I would interpret the values identified by Hershey's that states "We are open to Possibilities by embracing diversity, seeking new approaches and striving for continuous improvement." (Noe et al 2011 pg 55.) This statement shows Hershey's embrace as showing the importance of working together and striving for excellence. For Hershey to be successful they most recognize that abiding by values results in increased earnings. As a human resources professional I have to lead by showing integrity and determination and by showing how imperative my performance is a direct reflection of Hershey's values. I also have to find qualified candidates who fit within Hershey's culture and set an example for all employees. "One application of this idea is the creation of a mentoring program for the research and development group." (Noe et al 2011 pg 55.) It's imperative the employees grow together by communicating, sharing knowledge, acknowledging employees potential while continuing to implement programs that emphasize the importance of the values the Hershey's company have implemented. The company has to ensure they operate by their core values, if they fail to maintain the business culture, it will adversely impact the company's bottom line.

I would also interpret the values that Hershey embraces in relation to my role as a company that believes in:

a. Ensure every employee is treated with fairness, honesty, and respect.

b. Ensure the company has an open communication