ACTIVITY 11: THE FIRM [PART II]

1. If you are to rank the seven principles stated in ISO 9000 series, which one do you think
should be the first? Why?

In all management, it is essential to consider the seven principles of the ISO 9000 System
to have quality business management and service. I think the "Process approach" will be
the first in the seven principles. I used to believe that leadership is best to consider at the
top of the list. Still, I realized that too many ways and disadvantages of this principle could
lead the management to be unsuccessful. In addition, I think that maybe some
management doesn't need a leader or simple "commander-in-chief" to control the
business.

I choose the process approach because all the activities and methods in performing a work
to execute are under this principle. The business aims to have a quality to serve and
provide. So that, the process approach is significant to prioritize considering all the matters
that corporates with the outcome. Someway, it doesn't need a leader or authority to do
the process. The people under the business could have the synchronize idea in doing their
jobs, usually in small practices. And, the ISO 9000 is a quality system that focuses on the
quality of organizing, executing, and management phase of the business. What should it
do? How was it done? The process is a must in understanding the consideration in
achieving the standard quality and should be the first among the seven principles.

2. From your previous assignment, consider one design firm known for giving its employees
high job satisfaction. Study the company’s profile, and describe their strategies that keep
their employees stay in the company.

HMC ARCHITECTS provides several activities and program for their employees that are
beneficial for their work and as a person. This approach, I think, made the engagement of
their relationship with their everyday routine in the workspace and business staff. The
HMC Architects manage to have outside activities, webinars, and seminars that balance
fun and heavy workloads. It inspires the employees through their social innovation team
projects, educates future designers, and makes positive impacts through volunteerism in
their service field; this represents the unstress and unwinding feeling while doing a job.

In addition to that, the HMC ARCHITECTS valued the meaningful work from their
employees. According to their official website, they design healthcare, educational and
civic projects that mean the employees' work will significantly impact the lives of patients,
doctors, students, teachers, and communities. Plus, in terms of Professional Development,
the firm considers its employees and staff as their most significant assets regardless of
whether they are fresh from school or a seasoned pro; these people get encouragement
from the company to have an opportunity to grow and do what they love. This firm
incorporates balance in work-life harmony; it promotes balance and wellness. Also, the
business provides flexibility in how and when they work. The best thing I've read about this
firm is that they consider all the employees as the owner of the business, "We have an
employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that rewards our people as owners of a business.
We all work together to build our collective future, and this shared ownership makes us
part of something bigger than ourselves" by HMC ARCHITECTS.

I have listed some of the perks with their works from the HMC ARCHITECTS; these are:
1. Wellness to well-being
2. Financial protection and retirement
3. Learning and Development
4. Student Loan payment
5. Office Shenanigans
6. Balance
7. Xref travel fellowship
8. Employee Stock Ownership Program
9. Social Innovation

I believe that work environment and treatment are more significant than compensation.
This firm provides the best for their employees, from programs to their well-being; this
may be why they encourage people to work with them instead of working for them.