Increasing Employee Engagement through HRM (Harrods) Harrods is a brand that is recognized all over the world. Its Knightsbridge store has 1 million square feet of selling space with over 330 different departments. Its global reputation and prestige is instilled through its brand values. Brand values represent what an organization stands for. Leadership is important in shaping the culture of an organization. There are two opposite poles in terms of leadership, these are autocratic and democratic. Autocratic leaders tell employees what to do. On the other hand, democratic leaders encourage input from employees, listen to their ideas and enable them to make decisions. Both styles have their place, depending on circumstances. For instance, in a crisis, such as a sharp drop in sales, immediate action is needed. In such circumstances, an autocratic approach is required. Employees are listened to and their advice and ideas are used to make continuous improvements. The culture is thus one of trust and respect and is the key to Harrods’ employee engagement. Harrods’ management is committed to fully developing its people so that employees, the business and its stakeholders are fully satisfied. The ultimate proof of the success of an employee engagement exercise is that it needs to be lived by employees. They need to feel that the culture has changed and that they have played a part in the improvements. Harrods places a high importance on brand values so it is essential that these values are reflected in how employees behave. Employees have to live up to the Harrods brand because customers are aware of it and expect excellence. Engaged employees are committed ones who help the organisation to achieve its targets and to live its values. Harrods recognize that this is a democratic process. Employees are not just a key part of the visual representation of the organization -they are the organisation. Source: https://engageforsuccess.org/case-study-increasing-employee-engagement-through-the-hrm-harrods Questions: 11. Summarize the case in your own words. (2 marks) 12. Analyze the different ways that Harrods uses to engage its employees in decision-making. (2 marks) 13. Explain the benefits to a business of increasing employees’ engagement. (2 marks) Answer 11,12 and 13