Abstract

In 2008, Chicago-based consulting firm Sonoma Partners, LLC, (Sonoma Partners), featured in the ‘Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for’ for the second consecutive time. Experts felt that in a relatively short time, the company had demonstrated its ability to create organizational value and business results through its policies and best practices in human resource (HR) management. The highlights of its HR practices were a good benefits package, a stimulating workplace, and a unique mentoring program.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• HR best practices
• Monetary and non-monetary incentives
• Work/life balance
• and Training/mentoring.

Keywords

Management, human resource management, HR, HR best practices, hiring, compensation, benefits, flexible workplace, work/life balance, training, mentoring, performance review, culture, Sonoma Partners, small and medium enterprises (SME) Microsoft Management practices