Managing career plateau: case of Aster Retail, UAE

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss how Aster Retail (AR), UAE, handled career plateau challenge by adopting multiple strategies and earning employee commitment and motivation for business growth.

Design/methodology/approach The organization addressed two types of plateaus – structural and content by creating both vertical and lateral opportunities/options for employees, and supporting them with resources to build required capabilities, and managing their career aspirations. The strategies also helped AR to remain true to the organization’s philosophy, “We will treat you well.”

Findings The study enunciates how HR initiatives can add value by converting the negative phenomenon of plateau, into an opportunity for employees to grow.

Originality/value The study has three contributions: How in a retail organization with strong promoter principles and values, both structural and content plateau are addressed, and linked with business strategies? The study sheds light on how organizational and HR support for career management addresses employee plateau, particularly for solid citizens. makes the employees feel “not plateaued” at all; and in the long run, why and how HR managers should focus more on proactively addressing content plateau than structural plateau.