Question

Tyrone Toys is intensely focused on reducing labor costs: True/ False During a meeting of the executive committee, a member suggests closing its unionized plant in Ohio and opening a non-union plant in Mississippi: True/ False The executive vice president (EVP) of HR, who is a member of this committee, suggests that the committee get legal advice in case Tyrone Toys would be subject to lawsuits by the union: True/ False This interaction suggests that

a: True/ False HR is not a strategic partner in this firm because a plant closing is not a strategic decision: True/ False
b: True/ False HR is not a strategic partner in the firm because any suggestion about closing a plant should properly come from HR, not another executive: True/ False
c: True/ False HR is a strategic partner in the firm because in this firm the EVP of HR is allowed to sit in on important strategic meetings: True/ False
d: True/ False HR is a strategic partner in the firm because the EVP of HR is a regular member of the executive committee: True/ False

Answer 1

Tyrone Toys' focus on reducing labor costs and the HR EVP's involvement in the executive committee meetings illustrate HR's strategic partnership in the firm, as HR is actively engaged in making and shaping key decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the question on whether Tyrone Toys is intensely focused on reducing labor costs, such a strategic direction would often be in line with a desire to optimize operations. If the executive committee is considering closing a unionized plant in favor of opening a non-union plant to reduce costs, this could be seen as true, although we cannot definitively confirm Tyrone Toys' focused intentions without additional context.

As for the Human Resources (HR) involvement in strategic decisions, it is inappropriate to claim that HR is not a strategic partner simply because the suggestion to close a plant came from a different executive. The role of HR in strategy could be reflected in the HR executive's presence at strategic meetings and their suggestion to seek legal advice. This proactive measure to navigate potential union lawsuits signals an understanding of strategic implications and a partnership role.

The claim that the EVP of HR at Tyrone Toys is a regular member of the executive committee, if true, would further solidify HR's role as a strategic partner within the firm, as this indicates HR's involvement in key decision-making processes.