1. Discuss the meaning, objectives and characteristics of employee promotion

Employee promotion refers to the advancement of an employee to a higher position within the organization. It is a form of recognition and reward for an employee's performance, potential, and contribution to the organization. Employee promotion is often seen as a positive career milestone that comes with increased responsibilities, authority, and benefits.

The objectives of employee promotion can vary depending on the organization's goals and values. However, some common objectives include:

1. Recognizing and rewarding employee performance: By promoting an employee, organizations acknowledge their contribution and motivate them to continue performing at a high level.

2. Encouraging employee growth and development: Promotion provides employees with new challenges, opportunities to learn and develop new skills, and further their career progression.

3. Retaining and engaging top talent: Promoting employees who have proven their capabilities and potential can increase their loyalty and commitment to the organization, reducing turnover rates.

4. Succession planning and talent management: Promotion can be a part of a strategic process to identify and groom potential future leaders within the organization, ensuring continuity and maintaining a strong talent pipeline.

Characteristics of employee promotion include:

1. Qualifications and performance-based: Employees are promoted based on their skills, knowledge, performance, and potential for growth. Organizations typically have criteria and guidelines in place to evaluate employees' eligibility for promotion.

2. Competitive and meritocratic: Promotion processes often involve competition among employees, with the most deserving and qualified individuals being selected for advancement. Merit-based decision-making ensures that promotions are fair and based on objective criteria.

3. Vertical or horizontal: Employee promotion can be either vertical, where an employee moves up the hierarchical ladder, or horizontal, where an employee moves to a similar level position but with more responsibility or a different job role.

4. Rewards and benefits: Promotion comes with various rewards and benefits, including a higher salary, improved job title, increased responsibilities, authority, and often better benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and vacation time.

5. Communication and transparency: Organizations should have clear promotion policies and communicate them transparently to employees. This helps create a fair and consistent process that fosters trust and reduces any potential biases or favoritism.

In conclusion, employee promotion is a significant career milestone that recognizes and rewards an employee's performance, potential, and contribution to the organization. Its objectives include motivating employees, fostering growth and development, retaining top talent, and strategic succession planning. Characteristics of employee promotion include qualifications and performance-based selection processes, competitiveness, rewards and benefits, and transparent communication.