Intel in Costa Rica - An Employee Relation/HR Study!

Abstract:     
The purpose of the research is to outline the issues which Intel faced, when it initiated assembly operations at its Costa Rica facility. The report starts with a brief introduction of Costa Rica, discussing the potential factors that make it attractive to foreign firms. Overviews of the economic indicators bring to light the historical and current performance of the country in terms of stability.

The report then progresses with a comprehensive introduction about Intel and its strengths and weaknesses, cultural aspects including the values, beliefs, philosophies and the key areas of concern for example, its advertising policies.

Next, the semiconductor industry's facts are laid down, which includes the key players, the volume of activity, demand and supply patterns and the opportunities and threats that may reduce the attractiveness of the industry as a whole using Michael Porter's five force analysis. The report then addresses all the issues that exist at the Costa Rica facility i.e. appointment of a CEO, developing appropriate local management teams, cultural clashes etc. With the help of combinations of certain classical theories and human resource tools, I have tried to advise solutions that may help getting the business back on track.

I have also advised certain considerations like respecting cultural values, including employee interests in the strategies, empowering and involving employees in decision making, effective training and communication programs, reward systems etc., which Scott could put into place before he orders employees to actually commence their jobs.

Finally, I conclude the report by emphasizing on how and when the suggested strategies and tools can be implemented, which will maximize employee efforts, reduce cultural clashes, reduce stress, strengthen employee and superior relationship, foster welfare, improve the communication and overall, create a golden image for the company as a whole.

Keywords: human resource, employement relations, employee welfare, employee study, intel, intel in Costa Rica, Costa, Rica

Working Paper Series