Case Study: United Health Group
United Health Group is one of the leading insurance companies in the nation. Based in Minnetonka, Minnesota United Health Group is a large organization with revenue in 2016 of 184.8 billion and employing more than 230,000 employees. In this paper, I will be focusing on the Human Resources department of United Health Group as well as their hiring process. I will also be comparing their hiring process with Aetna, s company that is considered another leading competing organization in the insurance industry. Sims (2006) defines Strategic Human Resource Managements as the linking of human resources with strategic goals and objectives in order to improve business performance and develop an organizational culture that fosters innovation,
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Posner, Kouzes, and Schmidt, (1985) affirm that shared values between the employees and the organization reveal a significant difference in the lives of employees, as well as in their organization's performance.
The Human Resource department at United Health Group seems to be on the right path in achieving the above-mentioned points. The department is involved in the employee's professional life from the moment they apply for an opening on the company's website. This involvement extends till the employee's departure from the organization.
In a study by Cooke & Meyer, they determined that "We conclude, however, that the assumptions about cognitive responses and consequent effects on employee behavior and performance implicit in much of the recent literature showing that high-involvement, high commitment HRM systems are associated with superior performance are reasonable assumptions." The department has a dedicated website (HR Direct) to connect with employees. The site can be accessed internally through the company's intranet system our externally through the internet. In the website, an employee will find all the tools and techniques needed to aid him/her in communicating effectively with the human resources department. Some of the services that stand out on the HR department's website …show more content…
By doing so it ensured that all employees have access to the department being a click or a phone call away. In my hiring process the Human Resource department at United Health Group very easy. From the moment I applied and was shortlisted a received feedback and detailed explanation of the process until I was hired and began my first day. And till this day I feel very comfortable contacting the Human Resource department with all my request, inquiries, and recommendations. Through my professional career, I never had the opportunity to give feedback to any HR department other than the department at United Health Group. I feel as a valued member of the team whose presence makes a difference and an impact. This all comes back to the department's practice of strategic human resource management.
SWOT analysis of United Health Group:
A SWOT analysis is defined as a study undertaken by an organization to identify its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as its external opportunities and threats.
Strengths:
• Ranked #1 as the biggest health insurer in the U.S
• Net income of 7 billion dollars & assets of 123 billion
• Valuing of diversity through its diverse employees
• Clinician programs &
Posner, Kouzes, and Schmidt, (1985) affirm that shared values between the employees and the organization reveal a significant difference in the lives of employees, as well as in their organization's performance.
The Human Resource department at United Health Group seems to be on the right path in achieving the above-mentioned points. The department is involved in the employee's professional life from the moment they apply for an opening on the company's website. This involvement extends till the employee's departure from the organization.
In a study by Cooke & Meyer, they determined that "We conclude, however, that the assumptions about cognitive responses and consequent effects on employee behavior and performance implicit in much of the recent literature showing that high-involvement, high commitment HRM systems are associated with superior performance are reasonable assumptions." The department has a dedicated website (HR Direct) to connect with employees. The site can be accessed internally through the company's intranet system our externally through the internet. In the website, an employee will find all the tools and techniques needed to aid him/her in communicating effectively with the human resources department. Some of the services that stand out on the HR department's website …show more content…
By doing so it ensured that all employees have access to the department being a click or a phone call away. In my hiring process the Human Resource department at United Health Group very easy. From the moment I applied and was shortlisted a received feedback and detailed explanation of the process until I was hired and began my first day. And till this day I feel very comfortable contacting the Human Resource department with all my request, inquiries, and recommendations. Through my professional career, I never had the opportunity to give feedback to any HR department other than the department at United Health Group. I feel as a valued member of the team whose presence makes a difference and an impact. This all comes back to the department's practice of strategic human resource management.
SWOT analysis of United Health Group:
A SWOT analysis is defined as a study undertaken by an organization to identify its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as its external opportunities and threats.
Strengths:
• Ranked #1 as the biggest health insurer in the U.S
• Net income of 7 billion dollars & assets of 123 billion
• Valuing of diversity through its diverse employees
• Clinician programs &