Decisions in Paradise: Part I Dana Martinez University of Phoenix MGT/350 September 27, 2009

After finishing up my studies I landed my first job with a major cooperation IGH. My first assignment was to travel to the Island of Kava and meet up with Alex for further instructions. My first business trip to the island of Kava was nothing I had imagined. Kava is an island located in the South Pacific, 50% of its population is under the age of 15. The island has a diverse mixture of different races such as the South Pacific tribe, Asian (primarily Chinese), African, French, Spanish, and a large number of Americans. My task was to help establish a greater presence in Kava. The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is an international hotel company whose goal is to create Great Hotels Guest Love. At the IHG, we offer more guest rooms than any other hotel company in the world, which include over 4,300 hotels across nearly 100 countries. The guests make over 180 million stays in IHG hotels every year. The company operates seven hotel brands – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites. IHG’s operating system is makes up of all the systematic tools we use to drive demand for our brands. This includes our advertising and marketing campaigns, our 12 global call centres, 13 local language websites, an 8,000-strong sales force, Priority Club Rewards – the world’s largest hotel loyalty scheme which has 44 million members, and all the advantages that IHG’s global hotel distribution, and scale brings to brand awareness (Overview, 2009, p. 1.) Our focus on the biggest markets where our scale absolutely counts ensures that we fully concentrate our resources on opportunities that will provide the greatest return. The stakeholders in our organization expect delivery of our innovative style which includes the evaluations and considerations of opportunities to expand in areas of the world that will be profitable to shareholders, attract business and leisure travelers and be beneficial to particular geographical locations and environments. The island of Kava in the South Pacific is in need of organizations that will help strengthen their economy by providing jobs for local residents and making use of domestic resources of the island. The government of Kava realizes that they are facing disastrous effects of economic downfall. They are very supportive and encourage our presence on the island. The IHG is considering establishing a greater presence on Kava and using many factors in our evaluation. Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities in Kava Like many other islands in the South Pacific, Kava is facing disaster threats. Hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and fires are concerns of the government, and people of Kava. HIV and other health related issues are evident as well. Fortunately, Kava has many resources that are potentially beneficial to internal economic stability. Trade, export, and other foreign markets are also depending on Kava. Kava needs assistance in economic stimulation through strong leadership, creative thinking, effective decision making, and use of various domestic resources. Kava’s domestic resources include a variety of unique economical items. Organizational Considerations The Intercontinental Hotels group has a strong organizational structure that consists of sales and marketing, human resources, finance and accounting, purchasing, rooms division, and other departments that need consideration in all functions of management when faced with expansion opportunities. Questions that our company will evaluate and require answers to include: How does the IHG market the Kava property? What type of government, political and environmental concerns need addressing? What domestic and international resources will be needed? What are stakeholder concerns in development, and expansion? These questions amongst many others need attention while initial considerations are established.

Human Resources and Ethical Concerns The human resources (HR) department of the IHG in Kava will need to focus on hiring individuals who have a service mentality. Ethical behavior is a concern at all IHG locations and must be addressed to individuals who are applying for employment. Ethical policies are corporately established and must be implemented and monitored in the Hotels, Kava. Cultural behavior must also be observed and evaluated to best serve individual employees in the Kava workplace. Human resources will also be responsible for providing services to employees. This department must also work with insurance organizations to establish a health plan that will be ethical and beneficial to all employees. The fear of disease, viruses, and other medical concerns must be addressed.

Stakeholders Stakeholders in the IHG deserve an ethical consideration; one that will discuss factors of stability, profit, ethics, and overall success in our Kava development. The island of Kava also has individuals who will be affected by our property. These Kava citizens and residents will benefit from our establishment. Providing jobs and leadership is a much needed event that will be a factor in stimulating the economy. Tourism, fishing, and natural resources here in Kava can be used to benefit everyone. The Four Seasons needs to analyze, evaluate, and make use of island resources. Coffee, sugar, coffee, bananas, natural gas, petroleum, and other natural resources can also be beneficial to us back in the United States, so consideration of these factors in the planning process is very important.
Conclusion
Establishing presence in Kava is a wonderful opportunity for the IHG organization. Many challenges exist in Kava that need analyzing, and critical thinking to determine best possible solutions, scenarios to opportunities, problems, and concerns. Kava has experienced an economic disaster due to many factors and is very open and inviting to the cooperation. Understanding Stakeholder concerns is an issue that must be discussed. Profitability is a factor that will need consideration for shareholders in the IHG. A greater presence in Kava will aid in driving the economy which in return will be beneficial to island residents and citizens of our own nation. Guests that visit the Kava property should experience the same hospitality and customer service that they experience all over the world. Employees of our Kava location should receive the same benefits and training that other locations have. The Kava location should market to business and leisure travelers focusing on a resort experience like no other. The use of resources located in Kava can aid in giving a unique experience to travelers that choose our resort.

References Overview. (2009). The InterContinental Hotels Group. Retrieved on September 25 from http://www.development.ihg.com/