Personal Appearances - The Changing HR Norms

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Case Details:

Case Code : HROB017
Case Length : 11 Pages
Period : 1992 - 2002
Pub Date : 2001
Teaching Note : Available
Organization : Society for Human Resources Management
Industry : Varied
Countries : USA

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This case study was compiled from published sources, and is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion. It is not intended to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. Nor is it a primary information source.

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The Dressing Up Dilemma Contd...

Consistent changes in corporate dress codes the world over had made dressing up for work much more than 'just another routine' for 21st century employees. There has been a tremendous change from the days of strictly formal attire; one would perhaps not be ridiculed for mistaking certain corporate offices for beach-parties with people dressed in colorful casuals all around. The trend was prevalent all over the globe and human resources (HR) policymakers were reportedly divided between the two extremes of formal and casual clothing for employees. Problems cropping up at various companies because of the above issue and confusions regarding the same thus seemed to be inevitable.

Background Note

Clothing is one of the most basic needs of mankind. However, as human beings evolved, so did the idea of clothing. Clothes were no longer worn only for protection, the natural tendency to put in one's efforts to present a good picture of themselves became more prevalent. Thus, emerged the demand for presentable, tailored clothing. The kind of clothing worn by people differed substantially amongst different races, religions, communities and nationalities over the centuries.

However, the corporate world was one arena, wherein 'clothing' has seen certain universally applicable trends. Dress codes have been a vital part of HR policies of companies all over the world ever since the first corporate organization was formed. The industrial revolution of the 18th century brought in many changes in the way people dressed for work. This was due to the basic change in the lifestyle of individuals and the society as a whole. In the 18th century, almost every business organization in the world followed a standard dress code - full hand dark colored business suits with button-down collared shirt neatly tucked into pants, polished shoes and neatly groomed hair.

During this period, there existed a very clear demarcation between a business dress and a casual dress. As the world entered into the 20th century, modernization became the buzzword, transforming the corporate world as well. Businesses were becoming complex, and so were the dressing habits of employees. A whole new range of clothing for both men and women emerged, women's corporate-wear consisted of suits comprising long business skirts, short knee length skirts with matching shirts (or blouse) paired with high-heeled sandals became a rage...

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