Cypress Semiconductors (A) Case Questions

Cypress Semiconductors (A) Case Questions Web site: www.cypress.com

Cypress Semiconductor is a successful high technology firm that is located in Silicon Valley, California one of the world’s most competitive business environments. Cypress has a business strategy that focuses on competing in high volume cost sensitive markets and generating a steady stream of innovative new products. It has also developed HR strategies and policies to support these objectives. With the rapid changes in the dynamic high technology market, CEO Rodgers and his executive team must periodically monitor and examine the firm’s HR strategies and policies to adjust them for consistency and relevance to the changing business landscape that Cypress Semiconductor is operating within.

1. Apply the Five Factors that influence an HR System (from chapter 2 of the Baron and Kreps text) to the HR System of Cypress Semiconductors. What conclusions can you draw from this analysis? 2. How would you describe or characterize the Cypress company culture? Be able to support your description with information from the case. Is this a strong or weak culture? Does the culture support (or work against) Cypress’ goals? 3. What is CEO Rodgers’ attitude about corporate social responsibility? Do you agree or disagree with this attitude and why? 4. Evaluate Cypress’ Employment System (hiring, headcount, retention, promotion). Is it aligned with Cypress’ goals and culture? Is it aligned with other dimensions of the HR System? 5. Evaluate Cypress’ Performance Management System (performance measurement and evaluation, rewards). Is it aligned with Cypress’ goals and culture? Is it aligned with other dimensions of the HR System? 6. Which aspects of the HR System at Cypress achieve the quality of having consistent HR policies? Where is it lacking in consistency? 7. What changes (if any) would you propose to make to Cypress’ HR System? What is the basis for your recommended change(s).