Cirque du Soleil's Human Resource Management Practices

Authors: Gupta, V; Pawar, M
Source: ICMR Center for Management Research
Year: 2007
Company Name: Cirque du Soleil
Number of pages: 14

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Abstract:

The case discusses the human resource (HR) practices of Cirque du Soleil, the Canada based circus entertainment company. Since its inception in the mid-1980s, Cirque had been known for its innovation and creativity. In 2007, Cirque had more than 3,000 employees representing 40 nationalities and 25 languages. To manage such a diverse workforce, it had a dynamic HR team. The case highlights the recruitment and selection, training, performance appraisal, culture and work environment at Cirque. It also examines how Cirque managed cultural diversity of its workforce. The case is structured to enable students to: (1) study the HR practices at Cirque including recruitment, selection, training and performance appraisal; (2) examine the importance of a strategic HR team in Cirque; and (3) critically examine the work culture and environment in a creative company like Cirque. The case is intended for MBA / PGDBA students as part of the human resource management curriculum. The teaching note includes the abstract, teaching objectives and target audience, teaching approach, assignment questions, feedback of case discussion, references and suggested readings. It does not include an analysis of the case.