HR Case Study: Qantas vs. Apple

Flashcards comparing and contrasting HR practices at Qantas and Apple.

Role of HR Management at Qantas

Qantas has reformed HR practices to reduce industrial conflict and increase labour flexibility.

Role of HR Management at Apple

HR supports Apple’s strategic goals such as efficiency and profitability.

Interdependence with Other Functions at Qantas

Collaboration with operations needed for staff flexibility and productivity.

Interdependence with Other Functions at Apple

Operations inform HR of skill requirements (e.g., for design engineers).

Outsourcing at Qantas

Jetstar outsourced its call centre to Melbourne Operator Sales Force.

Outsourcing at Apple

Apple outsources production to manufacturers like Foxconn in China.

Employers Stakeholders focus at Qantas

Focus on cost-cutting and flexibility through restructuring and outsourcing.

Union Stakeholder focus at Apple

ARWU advocates for fair conditions, training and safety.

Legal Framework compliance at Qantas

Complies with Fair Work Act (10 minimum standards, pay reviews).

Legal Framework compliance at Apple

Apple audits factories to monitor compliance with Chinese labour laws.

Economic Influences effect on Qantas

GFC led to reduced demand and major staff cuts (34,000 to 28,000).

Economic Influences effect on Apple

Rising wages and labour shortages in China impact HR strategy.

Technological Influences effect on Qantas

Investment in Dreamliner, A380, new check-in tech requires staff upskilling.

Technological Influences effect on Apple

Retail employees must be trained regularly due to new product launches.

Social Influences effect on Qantas

Increase in casual and part-time roles for flexibility.

Social Influences effect on Apple

Workforce can scale quickly (e.g., before iPhone launches).

Ethics & CSR focus at Qantas

Focus on diversity and safety (e.g., Safety Week, recognition programs).

Ethics & CSR focus at Apple

Apple responded to underage worker findings by auditing factories and improving ID checks.

Acquisition process at Qantas

Selection process includes interviews, tests, reference checks, and medical exams.

Acquisition process at Apple

HR managed US downsizing and overseas hiring during outsourcing.

Development at Qantas

Annual $275M investment in training.

Development at Apple

Apple University trains managers in leadership and Apple culture.

Maintenance focus at Qantas

Initiatives for flexibility: part-time roles, extended parental leave, on-site childcare.

Maintenance focus at Apple

"Blue Sky" initiative allows select staff to work on creative projects.

Separation example from Qantas

5,000 staff made redundant between 2009-2012.

Separation example from Apple

In 2008, 1,600 retail jobs cut due to falling sales.

Leadership Style at Qantas

Shift to democratic leadership post-privatisation.

Leadership Style at Apple

Tim Cook: collaborative, consensus-driven leadership style.

Job Design at Qantas

Emphasis on feedback and employee involvement.

Job Design at Apple

Focuses on personality fit and role satisfaction.

Training & Development at Qantas

Pilots complete 48,000+ hours annually in simulators.

Training & Development at Apple

Genius staff receive technical training.

Performance Management at Qantas

Manager performance assessed via output, leadership, initiative.

Performance Management at Apple

Sales and profit linked to pay and promotion.

Rewards at Qantas

Bonuses paid based on profit.

Rewards at Apple

Stock options, bonuses up to 30% of salary.

Global HR strategy at Qantas

Hires host country nationals to save costs and enhance local integration.

Global HR challenge at Apple

Brand reputation impacted by Foxconn conditions.

Workplace Disputes at Qantas

New EBA included wage freeze and 3% annual increases.

Workplace Disputes at Apple

Apple improved audits and oversight in response.

Effectiveness of HR at Qantas

Improved safety, productivity, and flexible staffing.

Effectiveness of HR at Apple

Ongoing reputational challenges due to outsourcing practices.