3 HR departments hire and develop human capital to serve the organisation's strategy and drive performance. Which approach - Kirby's or Cunningham's-is more likely to have a greater positive impact on performance? Discuss. As a senior manager for a global player in car manufacturing and sales, Kirby Ellis had-like thousands of fellow employees- joined in the excitement surrounding production of the company's new hybrid vehicles. But barely two years into production, embarrassing component shortages, delivery delays and a recall of the first models had a ripple effect, presenting the company with mounting concerns. In the confusion, many customers cancelled orders and turned to competitors for purchase of eco-friendly vehicles. Ellis's company was facing a financial downturn. With three decades of service to the company, Kirby led a contingent of managers intent upon keeping together as much of the company and as many employees as possible. 'We know there will be some necessary cuts', Kirby admitted. But this company has a long history of sticking by its people. Our first priority should be internal streamlining of how we do things and making sure we have the right people on board.' Many managers liked what they heard from Kirby. He was well respected, and had an unequalled reputation for his leadership and collaborative skills and his ability to work with managers, as well as line workers on the factory floors. People marvelled at the number of individuals he knew on a personal level throughout the company.