Sainsbury's graduates get the chance to try something new: Community scheme develops leadership talents
Human Resource Management International Digest
ISSN: 0967-0734
Article publication date: 17 October 2008
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe how retailer Sainsbury's worked with training company Impact on a graduate community‐action learning program.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper details how, as part of their induction, 50 recruits on Sainsbury's graduate‐training scheme worked on a two‐day project with a primary school in London's Newham borough. The project involved the graduate trainees in projects such providing a healthy‐eating allotment at the 300‐pupil school.
Findings
The paper reveals that the scheme helped to develop the graduates' awareness of their personal impact and to increase their understanding of the interpersonal skills needed for working in a team, while bringing to life the company's leadership principles. At the heart of the learning were Sainsbury's so‐called Different Values for corporate responsibility – Best for Food and Health, Sourcing with Integrity, Respect for the Environment, Making a Positive Difference to Communities and Being Great Place to Work.
Practical implications
The paper argues that the scheme helped the graduates to feel they are an important part of the company and helped them to make the transition between university and their working lives.
Originality/value
The paper outlines how the design challenged the graduates to bring to life sustainability and a green theme across the school.
Keywords
Citation
(2008), "Sainsbury's graduates get the chance to try something new: Community scheme develops leadership talents", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 16 No. 7, pp. 21-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730810911369
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited