Human Resources Management at REI, Inc.

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In a competitive economic environment, human resource management has taken more of a strategic, hands-on role in many companies to handle the challenges they face to stay competitive. Companies must find ways to bring in customers and keep good, well-motivated employees on the job. With this in mind, companies that are successful must have sound HRM practices and provide a positive workplace for employees. Looking at the Top 10 Companies to work for, we want to know if HRM practices have an effect on that company being one of the best places to work. We will look at REI, number 9 in the top ten companies to work, to see if Strategic Human Resource Management plays a role in their success. First, I want to provide a little background on REI, Recreational Equipment, Inc. REI is an outdoor equipment and apparel supplier. REI is a co-op, or a consumer cooperative. This means that the company is not publicly traded, but owned by their members. A group of mountain climbers who needed outdoor equipment started the company many years ago and now consists of over four million members nationwide and still growing. For twenty dollars, a consumer can buy a lifetime membership to the REI consumer co-op. In doing so, the member is eligible to receive a portion of the company’s profits depending on the purchases the member makes throughout the year. REI has made FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” ever since FORTUNE started ranking companies. According to REI’s website, they believe “employees are the heart of the co-op and the ultimate source of our success.” This statement already shows that REI places a high value on human resources. Now let us look at those HRM functions that keep REI employees the focus of their su... ... middle of paper ... ...ic Human Resource Management operating within the organization at least to some degree. Per REI’s website the HR Department description is as follows: The Human Resources team is committed to enhancing REI's tradition of being one of the best places to work by providing quality programs, services and consulting that allow us to attract, develop and reward employees. Services and programs are provided in the areas of staffing, employee relations, learning and development, total compensation, and retail human resources. (REI website) REI’s HR department description leads one to believe that HR has a larger role than just traditional functions. Works Cited Noe, Raymond A., et al. Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2010. Print. Recreation Equipment Inc. REI.com. N.p., n.d. Web. Sept. and Oct. 2011.

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