Preview

Abercrombie and fitch

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
4391 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Abercrombie and fitch
WESTMINSTER BUSINESS SCHOOL
BMAM 702.2
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
SEMESTER 2 2014-2015

COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT - CASE STUDY
HIRING PRACTICES OF ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH

Student Name: Sze Keat CHEONG
Student ID: W153 9934

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

1. INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 COMPANY BACKGROUND 3
1.2 STATE OF THE PROBLEMS 3

2. CRITICAL EVALUATION ON KEY ISSUES 4

3. RECOMMENDATIONS 11
SUGGESTION 1- 12
SUGGESTION 2- 12
SUGGESTION 3- 13

REFERENCES 15

APPENDIX 20

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An ethical HR hiring practice in the organisation is playing an important role in the competitive business environment today. The report critically analyses on how Abercrombie and Fitch as a global organisation, on what appropriate implications will lead to a better equality and diversity organisation, and also the current methods of recruitment and selection. Moreover, three recommendations have been proposed which the management could be taken in account to implement in the future for better outcomes.

Keywords: hiring practices, ethical, discrimination, equality, diversity, recruitment, selection

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 COMPANY BACKGROUND

David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch founded Abercrombie and Fitch (hereafter refers as A&F) in 1892 in the Manhattan borough of New City. A&F is casual, all-American clothing that focuses on casual young consumers with laidback sophistication with their headquartered in New Albany, Ohio and expanding internationally.

The company operates three different concept brands currently; Abercrombie kids targeting consumers aged 7 to 14, which is the children’s version of A&F, whereas Hollister Co is targeting consumer aged 14-18, which price range lower than their parent’s brand. (Abercrombie and Fitch. 2012) Also, with the tagline ‘all-American brand with Sydney sensibility’; A&F’s cheeky’s cousin, Gilly Hicks’ stores were closed on March 2014 due to unfavourable revenue and currently they are still



References: - Abercrombie and Fitch. (2012). Abercrombie and Fitch Careers. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.anfcareers.com [Accessed 16 March 15]. - Abercrombie and Fitch. (2012). Abercrombie and Fitch Investors. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.abercrombie.co.uk/anf/investors/investorrelations.html [Accessed 16 March 15]. - Abercrombie and Fitch. (2013). Abercrombie & Fitch Store Employee Handbook (Revised 2013): London - ACAS - Appelbaum, E. Bailey, T. Berg, P. Kalleberg, A.L. (2000) Manufacturing advantage: Why high- performance work system pay off. Economic Policy Institute: Cornell University Press, London. - Argyris, C - Armstrong, M (2006). Strategic Human ~Resource Management. 3th ed. London: Kogan Page Limited. p121. - Aune, B - Bentham, J. (1815/1983), A Table of the Springs of Action: Oxford University Press. Oxford - Brewster, C - Brown, J.S. & Duguid, P. (1991). Organisational learning and communication of practice. Organisation Science, 2, p40-57 - Brown, J.S - Chatman. (1991) Matching people and organisations: Selection and socialization in public accounting firms .Administrative Science Quarterly, 36. p 459–484 - CIPD - CIPD (2012b) Diversity in the workplace: An overview: Factsheet. London: Chartered institute of Personnel and Development. - CIPD (2007a). Recruitment, retention and turnover. London: Chartered institute of Personnel and Development. - CIPD (2007b) Managing Diversity: People make the difference at work, but everyone is difference. London: Chartered institute of Personnel and Development. - CIPD. (2014). Selection Methods. [online] Available: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/selection methods.aspx#link_1. [Accessed 31 March 2015]. - Cunningham, Peggy H. (1999), “Ethics of Advertising,” in The Advertising Business, London: John Philip Jones, ed: Sage, p499–513. - Dale, M - Edwards, C. (2006) Raised stakes. People Management. p30-32 - Ethical Consumer - Falloreta, T. (2014). Recruitment Services. [Online] Available at: http://www.fau.edu/hr/recruitment/Panel_Int.php. [Accessed 31 March 2015] - France, S - Frank J. Cavico Stephen C. Muffler Bahaudin G. Mujtaba, (2012),"Appearance discrimination in employment", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, Vol. 32 Iss 1 p83 - 119 - Gene, R -Greenhouse, S. (2003), “Looks aren’t everything – unless you want a job”, The Miami Herald, July 13, p21A. - Hausknecht, J - Henderson, I. (2008). Human Resource Management for MBA students. London: CIPD. p73-92. - Jim, A - Kant, I.(1785/1993), Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, 3rd Edition, Hackett, Indianapolis, Indiana. - Kristof. (1996) Person-organisation fit: An integrative review of its conceptualisations, measurement, and implications: Personnel Psychology. 49pp. 1–49 - Kurma, S - Makkonen, T.(2002) Multiple, Compound and intersectional Discrimination: Bringing the Experience of the most marginalized to the Fore. Abo. Finland: Institute of Human Rights. - Manroop, L. (2014) ‘Human resource systems and competitive advantage: an ethical climate perspective’. Business Ethics: A European Review, 24.2, p186-200 . - Martin, G. Hetrick, S. (2006) Corporate Reputations, Branding, and People Management. Amsterdam: Butterworth- Heinemann. p69-77. - Mertens, J.-F., A, Dhillon - Murphy, P., Laczniak, G. and Prothero A. (2012). Ethics in Marketing. Oxon: Routledge - Olivia, F - Pivato, S., N. Misani, and A. Tencati. (2008). The impact of corporate social responsibility on consumer trust: The case of organic food. Business Ethics: A European Review 17: 3–12 - Purcell, J., Kinnie, M., Hutchinson, S., Rayton, B., Swart, J - Purcell, J., & Hutchinson, S. (2007). Front-line managers as agents in the HRM-performance causal chain: theory, analysis and evidence. Human Resource Management Journal, 17(1), p3-20 - Sadie W - Sen, A. (2004), ‘Elements of a Theory of Human Rights’, Philosophy & Public Affairs 32, p315–356. - Simpson, P.M. et al. (1997). "Disclosure of Contextually Hidden Sexual Images Embedded in an Advertisement." Psychological Reports, 81: p333-334. - Stowe, G. (2012). “ Culture of diversity. Abercrombie & Fitch finds a fit”. [ONLINE] Available at: A&F needs to establish a corporate culture that fosters on the personal commitment to diversity. [Accessed 1 April 15]. - Taylor, S. (2008). People Resourcing. 4th ed. London. Chartered institute of Personnel and Development. - Torrington, D. Hall, L. Taylor, S. Atkinsin, C. (2014). Human Resource Management. 9th ed. London: Pearson Education Limited. - Van den Brink, M., Fruytier, B

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Abercrombie & Fitch’s goal is simply to ensure their identity is not weakened or devalued by the “Look” of their employees.…

    • 342 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hollister is a clothing company owned by Abercrombie and Fitch. The kind of clothing Hollister sells Is casual wear. The theme based on Hollister is the surfing culture movement of southern California. The first Hollister store opened in July 2000 in Columbus Ohio . Even though Hollister opened its first store in 2000, many of there items say it was created in 1922 .On October 25,2008 Hollister opened the first store outside the U.S. and Canada in Bret cross London.…

    • 513 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    American Eagle Outfitters

    • 1752 Words
    • 8 Pages

    The Silverman family first founded American Eagle Outfitters in 1977. They operated specialty clothing stores under the name Retail Ventures. In 1980 the Silverman's encountered financial troubles when the Schottenstein family bought out 50% of the Retail Ventures. In 1991 the Schottenstein family bought the rest of Retail Ventures and opened 153 American Eagle Outfitters. By late 2000 the company had introduced 46 new stores in Canada. American Eagle had approximately $2 million in annual sales in 2003 and now operates over 800 stores in the United States and Canada (http://www.hoovers.com/american-eagle-outfitters/--ID__17231--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml).…

    • 1752 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Through my writing, A&F’s internal strengths, weaknesses, and external opportunities, threats will be analyzed. I will also talk about the mistakes and successes since the time that A&F was founded to 2005. What’s more, the major problems or challenges will be pointed out, and some of my personal alternatives and recommendations will be given aiming to Abercrombie & Fitch’s shortcoming and main problem.…

    • 1853 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Abercrombie and Fitch is one of today's most popular clothing companies that cater to American's youth culture. Abercrombie and Fitch clothing is worn by children and young adults, but is largely marketed to the college-age population. Abercrombie and Fitch have been in existence since 1892, beginning as an outdoors sporting goods supplier. Today, A&F stores can be found in malls across America and the A&F logo is easily seen on any high school or college campuses. Abercrombie and Fitch clothes are even worn by cast members of the hugely popular television show, friend.…

    • 1805 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Abercrombie & Fitch - Rooted in East Coast traditions and Ivy League heritage, Abercrombie & Fitch is the essence of privilege and casual luxury. The Adirondacks supply a clean and rugged inspiration to this youthful All-American lifestyle. A combination of classic and sexy creates a charged atmosphere that is confident and just a bit provocative. Idolized and respected, Abercrombie & Fitch is timeless and always cool.…

    • 1168 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a leading specialty clothing retailer. It always utilizes sex appeal to sell its products. A&F often uses semi-nude models with rock hard abs on their new store opening ceremony and puts posters on the wall of store with hot semi-nude Caucasian. A&F prefers to decorate their store with dark jungle feel. All of those strategies aim the same target, the sex attraction.…

    • 1146 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    case study

    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages

    American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch are rival retailers vying for a competitive leadership position among the same segment of the teenage/college student market. Each, however, pursues a slightly different strategy, even though some similarities have been the issues for legal contestation. The case details the strategies, merchandising, operations, and competitive positions of the two retailers.…

    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Market Segmentation a&F

    • 644 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Abercrombie and Fitch is one of today's most popular clothing companies that cater to American's youth culture. Abercrombie and Fitch clothing is worn by children and young adults, but is largely marketed to the college-age population. Abercrombie and Fitch have been in existence since 1892, beginning as an outdoors sporting goods supplier. Today, A&F stores can be found in malls across America and the A&F logo is easily seen on any high school or college campuses. Abercrombie and Fitch clothes are even worn by cast members of the hugely popular television show, friend.…

    • 644 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    fffffffffffn for its racy marketing photography, rendered to grayscale and featuring outdoors, beach, or mountain backdrops, with common elements of semi-nude males and scantly-clad women. The company promotes its casting sessions, models, and photo shoots in the "A&F Casting" feature online at abercrombie.com. The website also provides a gallery of current photography. Framed copies at A&F stores will sometimes name the model and store.When it comes to the A&F store, it is so impressive. The exterior design of store is the the Modern Canoe with wooden louvers, featured marketing image directly faces the entrance. The interior is lighted with dim ceiling lights and spot lighting. A&F fragrance for men, is automatically spritzed from the lighting tracks and manually by employees. Electronic dance music meant to create an upbeat atmosphere may be played at sound levels as high as 90 decibels, exceeding the corporate policy of 80 decibels and comparable to heavy construction machinery and harmful to the ears. The company uses "brand representatives", now called "models," for store customer service. The models had been required to buy and wear Abercrombie & Fitch apparel but may now wear any no-logo clothing as long as it corresponds with the season.[13] An "Impact Team" was created in 2004 to control merchandise within each store and maintain company standards; "visual managers" are responsible for forms, lighting, photo marketing, fragrance presentations and to ensure models comply with the "look policy".…

    • 1701 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Abercrombie & Fitch

    • 1344 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ("A&F") a specialty retailer operates stores and direct –to-consumer operations through its subsidiaries. Incorporated in Delaware in 1996, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. under the Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie kids, and Hollister brands sells: casual sportswear apparel, including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids. The Company also operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations offering bras, underwear, personal care products, sleepwear, and at-home products for women under the Gilly Hicks brand. A&F operates over thousand stores in North America, Europe and Japan.…

    • 1344 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    A&F customer relationship

    • 8903 Words
    • 36 Pages

    Abercrombie & Fitch, also known as A&F, is an American fashion retailer that focuses on casual wear for consumers aged 18 to 22, and is headquartered in New Albany, Ohio. It has over 300 locations in the United States, and is expanding internationally. The company also operates three offshoot brands including Abercrombie kids, Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks, in addition to a post-collegiate brand, Ruehl No.925, that closed in early 2010. It has a strong brand image due of its uniqueness as a “casual luxury” brand.…

    • 8903 Words
    • 36 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Competitive Environment

    • 2675 Words
    • 11 Pages

    To start with, both A&F and AE share the same target market and offer similar merchandise. However, there are some differences in their retailer strategies that make this fashion stores stay competitive. Both retailers target mostly teenagers, and offer casual wear for young men, women and kids accompanied with accessories, outerwear, footwear and sweaters... As a difference, AE offers dorm wear and intimate apparel. In addition, A&F goods are more expensive and tend to target higher class teenagers while AE prices are ¨a little cheaper.¨ For this reason, A&F also runs Hollister Co. Stores which can compete on the basis of lower prices. Moreover, AE has a competitive advantage in the location part of the retail mix, meaning that the number of stores of AE is grater compared to A&F.…

    • 2675 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Abercrombie & Fitch (abbreviation A & F) is a famous retailer in the United States, the company is currently the Chairman and CEO Mike Jeffrey Reese (Mike Jeffries,), A & F sell casual clothing and accessories designed for the 18-year-old to 22-year-old customers .A & F has more than 300 stores in the United States, has continued to establish new strongholds in other countries, for example it started business in Hong Kong with opening three stores in the shopping mall at Central, Causeway bay, and Kowloon Tong. It has three subsidiary brands of A & F, Abercrombie (children's clothing), Hollister Co. and Gilly Hicks.…

    • 337 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Abercrombie Company was originally founded by David Abercrombie in 1892 in downtown Manhattan, New York. In the early stage of Abercrombie’s establishment, Abercrombie store was selling equipment with great quality for fishing, camping and hunting, which was attributed to David’s keen interest of outdoor activities (Abercrombie & Fitch, 2012). Ezra Fitch was an ordinary customer of Abercrombie. He was not only a successful lawyer in New York, but also a big fan of trekking. Fitch was attracted by the special outdoor gear that was sold in Abercrombie store. Quickly, he was so devoted to the company that convinced David to let him join as the co-founder after buying a major share of Abercrombie. Hence, the official name of the company was changed to Abercrombie & Fitch Company in 1904. Because two founders had irreconcilably different opinions of the company’s future core business, David resigned in 1907. Ezra cooperated with other partners and expanded the company’s products to reach to extensive customers, rather than limited outdoor professionals (McBride, 2005). In 1928, Ezra’s brother, James, Cobb, took over the company, and acquired a New York dealer -- Von Lengerke & Detmold. Abercrombie & Fitch achieved a great success in 1929 with net sales of $6.3 million and profit of $548,000. Ten years later, the company claimed itself as the “Greatest Sporting Goods Store in the World.” A&F opened winter-only stores in Florida and summer-only stores in New Jersey and New York in the 1950s at which period the company’s mission was “The Abercrombie & Fitch type does not care about the cost; he wants the finest quality.” (Abercrom & Fitch Co. History, 2012) However, from 1968 to the early 1970s, warehouse sales model and bizarre advertisements were introduced by Abercrombie. The result was that the company lost money continuously till to 1976 in which Abercrombie & Fitch fell into bankruptcy (Abercrombie & Fitch Co. History, 2012). In…

    • 810 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays