Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Module 1
Module 1
Module 1
Importance of HRM
Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a crucial role in the success and
growth of organizations. Let's delve into the importance of HRM in detail:
Attract and retain talent: HRM is responsible for designing effective recruitment
strategies to attract top talent to the organization. They create compelling job
descriptions, conduct interviews, and offer competitive compensation packages
to entice the best candidates. Moreover, HRM also plays a pivotal role in
retaining valuable employees by implementing employee engagement
programs, recognition initiatives, and fostering a positive work environment.
Train people for challenging roles: HRM is responsible for identifying the skills
and competencies required for different job roles within the organization. They
design and implement training and development programs to equip employees
with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle challenging roles effectively.
This ensures that the workforce remains adaptable and capable of meeting the
organization's evolving needs.
Develop skills and competencies: HRM focuses on nurturing the skills and
competencies of employees, helping them grow both professionally and
personally. By investing in employee development, organizations can build a
more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, contributing to long-term success.
Promote team spirit: HRM fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among
employees. They organize team-building activities, workshops, and events that
encourage employees to work together cohesively. A strong team spirit boosts
overall productivity and efficiency.
Develop loyalty and commitment: When HRM invests in employees' well-
being, career growth, and recognizes their efforts, it fosters a sense of loyalty
and commitment. Employees are more likely to stay with the organization in the
long run when they feel valued and supported.
Increase productivity and profits: A well-managed HR function ensures that
employees are motivated, adequately trained, and equipped to perform their
tasks efficiently. This leads to increased productivity, which, in turn, positively
impacts the organization's profitability.
Improves job satisfaction: HRM strives to create a positive work environment
and address employee concerns effectively. When employees feel satisfied with
their jobs, they are more likely to be productive and less prone to job-hopping.
Enhance the standard of living: Through various employee benefits, HRM helps
improve the standard of living for employees and their families. This includes
healthcare benefits, retirement plans, paid leave, and other perks, which
contribute to employees' overall well-being.
Generate employment opportunities: HRM is involved in workforce planning
and expansion strategies. By aligning the organization's staffing needs with
business goals, HRM creates employment opportunities for job seekers and
contributes to the economic growth of the region.
Greater trust and respect: A well-functioning HRM department earns the trust
and respect of employees by being fair, transparent, and supportive. This
positive relationship between HRM and employees fosters an environment of
open communication and mutual respect.
In conclusion, HRM plays a critical role in managing an organization's most
valuable asset—its people. By focusing on talent attraction, development, and
retention, HRM contributes to the overall success and growth of the
organization while ensuring employee satisfaction and well-being
Importance of HR planning
Reservoir of talent :- retained skilled people
Prepare people for future- motivated and developed to meet future needs
Expand or contract:- continuous supply of people to handle challenging jobs
Cut cost:- HR budget
Succession planning :- stars are picked for challenging projects.
Evolution of HRM Period before the industrial revolution: During this phase,
which spanned most of human history, there was no formal HRM as we
understand it today. People worked in small, traditional, family-based setups or
agrarian societies. There were no large organizations or industries requiring
systematic management of human resources. Work and labor were often
organized around traditional customs and practices, and the roles and
responsibilities were primarily defined by social norms.
Period of industrial revolution (1750 to 1850): The industrial revolution marked
a significant shift in society, as it moved from agrarian economies to
industrialization. Large factories and industries emerged, and labor moved from
decentralized, traditional setups to centralized factories in urban areas. This
transformation led to the need for managing the workforce in a more systematic
and structured manner. However, during this period, the approach to labor
management was often exploitative, and employee welfare was generally
neglected. Workers faced harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages.
Post-Industrial Revolution (after 1850 to 1947): In the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, concerns about labor welfare and the impact of poor working
conditions began to gain attention. Labor unions and worker movements
emerged to advocate for better rights and working conditions. This era
witnessed the gradual development of labor laws and regulations aimed at
protecting workers' rights. Industrial relations started to take shape, focusing on
managing the relationship between employers and employees. Basic forms of
personnel management began to emerge, and employee records and welfare
activities became more organized.
Post-independence period after 1948 to the 1990s: After gaining independence,
many countries focused on economic development and nation-building. This era
witnessed the formalization and professionalization of HRM. The personnel
management approach evolved into a more comprehensive Human Resource
Management approach, emphasizing not only administrative functions but also
strategic management of human capital. Organizations recognized the value of
human resources as a competitive advantage, and HRM began to play a more
strategic role in organizational growth. Concepts such as performance
management, training and development, talent acquisition, and employee
engagement gained prominence.
Throughout these phases, HRM evolved in response to societal changes,
industrial developments, and a growing understanding of the importance of
human resources in organizational success. Today, HRM continues to adapt and
evolve, incorporating technological advancements, globalization, diversity and
inclusion, and a greater focus on employee well-being and work-life balance. As
the business landscape continues to change, HRM will remain a critical function
in ensuring an organization's success by effectively managing its human capital.
Functions of HR managers
Staff Functions: Staff functions are activities or roles that provide support and
assistance to other departments or functions within the organization. In the
context of HR, staff functions are those that HR Managers perform to support
the organization's overall operations. Some key staff functions of HR Managers
include:
Talent Acquisition: HR Managers are involved in recruiting and selecting
candidates to fill vacant positions in the organization. They work closely with
hiring managers and provide expertise in identifying the right candidates for
specific roles.
Training and Development: HR Managers design and implement training
programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. They collaborate
with department heads to identify training needs and ensure that employees
receive the necessary development opportunities.
Compensation and Benefits: HR Managers manage the administration of
employee compensation and benefits programs. They design salary structures,
ensure compliance with compensation laws, and manage employee benefits
packages.
Employee Relations: HR Managers handle employee relations matters, such as
conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and employee grievances. They work to
maintain a positive work environment and address any issues that arise between
employees and management.
Line Functions: Line functions are activities or roles directly involved in
achieving the organization's primary objectives. Line managers are responsible
for the organization's core operations and the implementation of its business
strategy. HR Managers also perform certain line functions, which means they
have a direct impact on the organization's primary goals. Some line functions of
HR Managers include:
Performance Management: HR Managers work with line managers to set
performance expectations, monitor employee performance, provide feedback,
and conduct performance evaluations. This function directly contributes to
achieving the organization's performance goals.
Talent Development: HR Managers collaborate with line managers to identify
high-potential employees and develop talent within the organization. This
function ensures that the organization has a skilled and capable workforce to
support its growth.
Coordinative Functions: Coordinative functions involve activities or roles that
integrate and coordinate the efforts of different departments or functions within
the organization. HR Managers perform coordinative functions to ensure
smooth collaboration and communication between HR and other departments.
Some coordinative functions of HR Managers include:
Workforce Planning: HR Managers collaborate with department heads to
identify future workforce needs and develop workforce planning strategies. This
function involves aligning HR strategies with the organization's long-term
goals.
Organizational Development: HR Managers work with top management and
department heads to drive organizational development initiatives. This function
aims to create a positive work culture, improve employee engagement, and
align HR practices with business strategy
HR Competencies
Competency is ‘an underlying characteristics of an individual that is casually
related to criterion – referenced effecting and/or superior performance in a job
situation’.
Intelligence: Intelligence in HR refers to the ability to understand complex
issues, solve problems, and make informed decisions based on data and
analysis. HR professionals need to use their intelligence to comprehend various
aspects of the workforce, organizational dynamics, and business challenges to
devise effective HR strategies and solutions.
Learning and Coaching Skills: Effective HR professionals possess strong
learning abilities and are continuously updating their knowledge of HR
practices, labor laws, and industry trends. They also excel in coaching and
mentoring employees and managers to improve performance, enhance skills,
and promote professional growth.
Discriminating Skills: In HR, discriminating skills refer to the capability to
assess and differentiate among candidates, employees, or situations. HR
professionals need to identify the best fit for specific roles and distinguish
between high-performing employees and those needing additional support.
Leadership Skills: Leadership skills are essential for HR professionals to
influence and inspire others in the organization. HR leaders must provide
direction, motivate teams, and champion HR initiatives to support the overall
business objectives.
Executing Skills: HR professionals must be adept at implementing HR
strategies and plans effectively. This involves coordinating various HR
functions, setting up processes, and ensuring the successful execution of HR
programs and initiatives.
Experience and Training: Having relevant experience in HR and training in HR-
related fields are crucial competencies. Experience helps HR professionals
develop insights and navigate complex HR challenges, while training equips
them with up-to-date knowledge and best practices in the field.
Professional Attitude: HR professionals need to maintain a high level of
professionalism in their interactions with employees, managers, and
stakeholders. They should demonstrate integrity, credibility, and respect to build
trust within the organization.