1. Based on what you know about high-tech companies, what are some likely strategic objectives for HITEK? Given these, what should be the objectives of HITEK's HR department? Do you think these are the objectives that guide the behaviors of Isabel Rains? Explain.
2. Jobs change frequently at HITEK. What approach to job analysis makes the most sense in such a fast-changing environment? Customized? Standardized? Task-focused? Competency modeling? Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the alternative approaches, and make recommendations for how Jennifer should proceed.
3. Is the new job description (Case Exhibit 5.4) better than the old one (Case Exhibit 5.3)? Why, or why not? Consider the perspective of employees as well as that of the person supervising this job. Does your answer change depending on the way the job description is being used?