Compare and Contrast Interview Paper (40 points)

You will be conducting two interviews for the purpose of understanding (first-hand) the challenges, opportunities, constraints, and issues inherent in human resource management. Because HRM is so broad, this assignment requires that you narrow the interviews to one particular issue or focus (such as compensation challenges, fostering organizational learning, work/life programs/issues, recruiting, HR information systems, and such) and then develop your interview questions in that area.

You must select individuals who differ from your personal situation and from each other (different companies). You will be graded on the quality of questions asked and the analysis and synthesis of responses (i.e., compare and contrast between the two). The paper is expected to be between 3-5 pages of text (1-5 or dbl-spaced maximum), not including a cover page (using 1” margins and 12 pt font). Include your list of the questions in an Appendix (which is in addition to the regular pages of text). Everything should be submitted in one Word/PDF file (cover sheet, 3-5 pages text, and list of questions).

You need to interview two individuals (with similar job titles and heavily involved in HR duties) using the same questions and about the same HR issue. These individuals should have different perspectives or situations because they are with different companies. They also need to have high expertise in the topic you are interviewing them about. Do not interview an individual who does not have high expertise. This person should be very up-to-date on HR practices (cutting-edge) so he/she can teach you and that you can learn from the best. For example, if you are interviewing individuals about compensation, you should be talking to the individuals over compensation for those companies. This is important for the compare and contrast section of your paper. Some examples include:

Human Resource Managers – one in a small company and one in a large company; one from a company that is downsizing and one from a company who is experiencing growth; one from an IT organization and one from a manufacturing company; one female and one male.
Compensation & Benefits Specialists – one from a non-profit and one from a for-profit organization; one from Utah County and one from SL County.
Small Business Owners (who perform HR duties) – one from an urban community and one from a rural community; one from the retail industry and one from the services industry. If you chose this option make certain these individuals have high expertise in the topic at hand and know the latest in HR practice and research.
You will ask the same questions of both individuals and the analysis and synthesis of the responses (comparing and contrasting the answers given by each individual) will form the core of your paper. Make sure you stay focused on the one topic you have chosen so you can ask detailed questions. Also, the paper needs to be written in your own words; therefore, you will not just list questions and responses question by question. You need to integrate their responses into a narrative regarding the similarities and differences of the interview responses.

Final Reminder: The paper is expected to be between 3-5 pages of text (spacing at either 1.5 or double-spacing maximum), not including a cover page (using 1” margins and a 12 pt font). Include your list of the questions in an Appendix (which is in addition to the regular pages of text). Everything should be submitted in one Word/PDF file (cover sheet, 3-5 pages text, and list of questions).