A case study focused on the Four Seasons branch located in George V, Paris, France.

1. Four Seasons George V Paris
Case Study
In relation to the cultural renovation that took place, do
human resource strategies play a role in Four Season’s
success?

2. Through the implementation of an effective management structure, promotion
and communication system, a task force, and a dominant “golden rule”, Four
Seasons’ human resource management strives to maintain a diverse yet
stimulating work culture that gives rise to international success.

3. Management Structure
● Key component in human resource because it ensures that employees act in
relation to Four Seasons’ standards of etiquette
● How? By hiring a general manager who acquires the skills of a transitional yet
transactional leader
○ Familiar with a variety of cultures and can easily adapt to environmental changes (e.g
resort location)
○ Certainty in achieving success - minimum standard in employee cleanliness, punctuality,
hospitality; exceptional meals executed by professional chefs; high quality furniture (e.g
bed sheets, mattress, spa)
○ 30% target bonus - employee performance, customer satisfaction and property profit
● Customers can enjoy a culturally rich experience in their respective holiday
destinations within Four Seasons’ resort itself

4. Promotions: employee of the month & working hours.
● George V incorporated the french culture within the hotel working hours:
○ 35 working hours in france.
○ 1500 hours instead of 1912 in the United States.
○ Staff only have to work 214 days a year.
○ Each manager have two consecutive days off per week.
● The high levels of employee welfare leads to a more operative workforce.
● The hotel introduced the “anglo saxon” way of doing:
○ The french system is primarily based on meritocracy.
○ Le Calvez and his team launched an employee-of-the-month and an employee-of-

5. Communication Amongst the Staff
● “Direct Line” - monthly staff meetings
○ discuss and tackle issues
○ allows frequent and effective problem solving
○ honors the French culture
● Staff Invitations to the Hotel
○ management strives to “break down barriers”
○ reinforces plaisir du travail (to enjoy one’s work)
○ maintain employee welfare

6. Task Force
● Team of 35-persons.
● Ensures that the firm runs smoothly.
○ Supervises the new firm's employees.
○ Squashes rumors.
○ Takes care of any cultural sensitivities.
● Exposed Managers legible for general managers.

7. Golden Rule
● Treat people as one would like to be treated.
● Key to the success of the firm.
● Distribution of uniforms to preserve the dignity of employees.

8. Thank You!