For the past few years, First Apparel, a company headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been evolving its business. Instead of only making cloth for designer apparel, First Apparel has begun to produce and offer for sale many types of fabric products, including canvas awnings and fabric for upholstery. The company has recently used nanotechnology to develop stain-resistant fabrics that are increasingly popular in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals because of their durability and ease of care. The company has grown from 150 employees working at one plant in Spartanburg to 700 employees working in three plants in the United States and one in China. Some of the corporate jobs at First Apparel are marketing analyst, executive assistant, designer, sales representative, customer service specialist, purchasing manager, attorney, research scientist, and accountant. The company values integrity, relationships, innovation, and change. Its mission statement emphasizes the importance of putting the customer first:

CS FIRST APPAREL (PART 2)

At First Apparel, we strive to be the number-one provider of high-quality, high-performance designer fabrics. We believe in always putting the customer first, valuing our employees, and maintaining the highest ethical standards. As First Apparel has grown, it has begun to experience a problem with turnover. Last year, the turnover rate was 45%. The turnover rate for comparable organizations in their industry and location is less than 20%. The selection process at First Apparel has not changed from the time the company was started. Basically, the HR department prepares and posts an advertisement for whatever job is available, collects the applications and resumes, calls applicants of interest, and has them come in for a one-hour interview, followed by an interview with the supervisor of the position, regardless of the job.

1. Discuss how the change in First Apparel's business strategy has likely affected the focus of its selection process for new employees.

2. Do you think the turnover problem could be related to selection? Discuss your answer.

3. How might First Apparel use technology to enhance its selection process?

4. How does the culture at First Apparel affect its selection process? How could it? How should it be? 

5. As First Apparel continues to grow its business, what are some other changes that need to occur in the selection process?