Question

Conduct a thorough organisational analysis (e.g. OB field map, STAR model, Harvard HRM model etc.) to identify the key people-related challenges Proximie faces or is likely to face. Use relevant theoretical frameworks and analytical approaches to explore these challenges. You may focus on one primary challenge or a combination of two or three challenges, ensuring to reference evidence from Proximie’s assets (e.g., website, social media, case study materials). Discuss how these challenges impact Proximie’s strategic objectives and plans. Take into account which country context is being considered.

Solution

Challenges

As Proximie rapidly scales their mission to democratise access to surgical expertise worldwide, the first step would be to fill the gaps experienced by the population with no access to surgery (see figure 4 below).

Figure 1: Population with no surgery access

Source: (Meara et al., 2015)

This comes with several people related challenges essential to maintain momentum. Using the STAR model which focuses on Strategy, Structure, People, Rewards, and Processes, we can explore three primary challenges which are the acquisition and retention of talent, alignment with culture, and development of leadership roles (GALBRAITH, 2022).

The acquisition and retention of talent

With the rapid growth comes a significant challenge for Proximie to keep up with talent acquisition and retention of highly specialised fields like XR, data science, and healthcare. The case study highlights that Proximie grew its team to over 135 employees across 50 countries by 2021, a fairly significant growth in such a short amount of time, which points to the need for such experts in Saudi Arabia healthcare system (Stern & Thapar, 2022).

Figure 2: Proximie’s Growth journey from 2016-2020

Source: (Proximie, 2024)

As Proximie moves to achieve its goal of reaching new heights in hospitals around the world, its employees are required to balance between being technologically sound and being healthcare savvy. In line with the Harvard HR Management model shown in figure 6, there is need for talent management, motivation and retention of talent that requires fostering loyalty and satisfaction (Polc, 2023). The Proximie website drives the company’s focus on innovation and impact, attracting mission-driven talent. However, if there is no targeted retention strategy in place, then the company will suffer turnover in critical roles, as the continuity and progress will be disrupted. To maintain its talent pipeline which will be indispensable for its expansion and technological advancement, Proximie should implement tailored retention programs such as career development pathways and professional growth opportunities.

Figure 3: Harvard HRM model

Source: Polc, 2023)

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