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2ND Semester, Department of MBA

CHAPTER 3

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND APPRAISAL

WHAT IS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Performance management refers to the process of effectively managing and


improving the performance of employees within an organization. It is a strategic
and integrated approach that involves various activities aimed at aligning
individual employee performance with the overall goals and objectives of the
organization.

Objectives of performance management

1. Aligning Individual and Organizational Goals: Performance management helps


align the individual performance goals of employees with the broader objectives of
the organization, ensuring everyone is working towards the same targets.
2. Improving Employee Performance: One of the key objectives is to help
employees understand what is expected of them and provide feedback and coaching
to help them improve their performance.
3. Recognizing and Rewarding Performance: Performance management systems
are used to recognize high-performing employees and reward them accordingly.
This can help motivate employees and reinforce desired behaviors.
4. Identifying Development Needs: Performance management can help identify
areas where employees may need additional training or development. By
addressing these needs, organizations can help employees enhance their skills and
productivity.
5. Providing Clear Communication: Performance management provides a structure
for regular and clear communication between managers and employees about
performance expectations, goals, feedback, and career development opportunities.
6. Facilitating Decision Making: By providing clear and objective information
about employee performance, performance management systems can help facilitate
decisions about promotions, salary increases, terminations, etc.
7. Promoting Employee Engagement: Performance management can help promote
a sense of engagement and commitment among employees by providing them with
clear expectations, regular feedback, recognition, and opportunities for
development.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
8. Reducing Employee Turnover: By identifying and addressing issues related to
performance and job satisfaction, performance management can help reduce
employee turnover and increase employee retention.
9. Enhancing Legal Compliance: A well-implemented performance management
process can provide documentation that demonstrates non-discriminatory
employment decision-making, enhancing legal compliance.
10. Facilitating Strategic Planning: Performance management data can be useful in
strategic planning, helping to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for
improvement in the organization's human resources.

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

Performance appraisal in Human Resource Management (HRM) refers to the


process of systematically evaluating and assessing an employee's job performance
against predetermined criteria and standards. It is a formal review that typically
takes place on a regular basis, often annually or semi-annually, to provide feedback,
recognize achievements, and identify areas for improvement.

Objectives of performance appraisal

1. Evaluating Performance: Performance appraisals provide a structured and


objective way to assess an employee's performance in their role. It involves
measuring their accomplishments, skills, competencies, and overall contributions
to the organization.
2. Feedback and Coaching: Through performance appraisals, managers can provide
employees with constructive feedback on their strengths and areas that need
improvement. This feedback is essential for employees to understand how they are
performing and what changes they can make to enhance their productivity and
effectiveness.
3. Reward and Recognition: Performance appraisals often form the basis for
recognizing and rewarding employees who have performed exceptionally well.
This can take the form of salary increases, bonuses, promotions, or other forms of
recognition.
4. Identifying Development Needs: Appraisals help in identifying employees'
development needs and training requirements. It highlights areas where employees

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
can benefit from further training and development to enhance their skills and job
performance.
5. Career Development and Succession Planning: By assessing an employee's
potential and areas of improvement, performance appraisals contribute to career
development and succession planning within the organization. This enables the
organization to identify high-potential employees and groom them for leadership
roles in the future.
6. Motivation and Employee Engagement: Providing employees with feedback on
their performance and recognizing their achievements can boost motivation and
increase employee engagement, leading to improved job satisfaction and retention.
7. Legal and Compliance Requirements: Performance appraisals provide
documentation of an employee's performance, which can be crucial in defending
employment decisions and ensuring legal compliance in cases of disputes.

Difference between performance management and performance appraisal

BASIS OF PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE


DIFFERENCE MANAGEMENT APPRAISAL
Meaning Performance Appraisal, Performance
means the analysis of an Management is the
employee's performance management of
and their calibre for future human resources in an
growth and development. organization.
What is it? It is a system. It is a process.
Nature Rigid Supple
Type of tool Operational Tool Strategic Tool
Owned by Human Resource Managers
Department
Conducted Annually Continuously
Approach Individualistic Holistic
Focused on Quantitative Aspects Qualitative Aspects
Corrections Retrospective Prospective

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA

Common problems with performance appraisal

1. Lack of Ability: Some managers may lack the necessary skills or expertise to
conduct effective performance appraisals. They may struggle with giving
constructive feedback, setting clear performance expectations, or accurately
evaluating employee performance.
2. Lack of Training: Managers who haven't received proper training in performance
appraisal techniques may encounter difficulties in conducting fair and objective
evaluations. Without training, they may fall back on subjective judgments or use
inappropriate appraisal methods.
3. Central Tendency: This issue occurs when managers rate most employees as
average or close to the midpoint of the rating scale. It reflects an unwillingness to
differentiate between employees, leading to inflated performance ratings for some
and deflated ratings for others, which skews the overall assessment.
4. Lot of Errors: Performance appraisals can be prone to various errors, such as
recency bias (placing undue emphasis on recent events), leniency or strictness bias
(consistently rating employees either high or low), and contrast effect (rating an
employee based on comparison with others rather than individual performance).
5. Biased Effect: Bias in performance appraisal can occur due to personal
preferences, prejudices, or stereotypes, affecting how employees are assessed. This
can lead to unfair evaluations and impact employee morale and motivation.
6. Stress: Employees may experience stress and anxiety around the time of their
performance appraisal. The fear of negative feedback or unfair evaluations can
create a tense work environment, impacting overall job satisfaction and
performance.
7. Lack of Understanding: If employees do not fully understand the appraisal
process, its purpose, or the criteria used to evaluate their performance, they may
feel disengaged or unmotivated to participate actively in the process.
8. Halo Effect: The halo effect occurs when a manager's overall positive or negative
impression of an employee influences their assessment across all performance
dimensions. For example, if a manager has a positive perception of an employee's
personality, they may rate the employee higher on all performance aspects, even if
not warranted.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Performance Planning: This is the first stage of the performance management


process and involves setting clear and specific performance expectations for each
employee. It involves identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), defining
objectives, and establishing a plan to achieve them. These plans should align with
the organization's strategic goals. The performance planning phase usually involves
a meeting between the manager and the employee to agree on these expectations
and objectives.

1. Performance Analysis: This involves regularly monitoring and evaluating an


employee's performance against the set expectations. Managers track progress,
identify any gaps or challenges, and assess the effectiveness of an employee's work
methods. This stage often includes ongoing feedback and communication between
the manager and the employee to ensure the employee is on track to meet their
goals.
2. Performance Appraisal: Also known as a performance review, this is a formal
assessment of an employee's performance, typically conducted on an annual or
semi-annual basis. It involves evaluating the employee's performance against their
objectives and the organization's standards. The performance appraisal provides an
opportunity for managers to provide constructive feedback, recognize the
employee's achievements, and discuss areas for improvement.
3. Performance Development: Based on the performance appraisal, a development
plan is created to improve the employee's skills and performance. This may involve
training, mentoring, or coaching to address any areas of weakness. The goal of
performance development is to help the employee grow in their role and contribute
more effectively to the organization. It's a forward-looking process that aims to
enhance the employee's future performance and potential.
4. Performance Management Audit: This involves reviewing and evaluating the
effectiveness of the entire performance management process. It's an opportunity to
assess whether the system is fair, consistent, and aligned with the organization's
strategic goals. A performance management audit can help identify any areas where
the process may need to be adjusted or improved. This might include reviewing

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
performance standards, appraisal methods, the fairness of performance ratings, or
the effectiveness of training and development initiatives.

TYPES OF PERFORMANCE RATING SYSTEMS

1. Traditional Methods
I. Graphic Rating Scales: This method involves a scale that lists several traits and a
range of performance for each. The supervisor rates each subordinate on factors
such as quality of work, initiative, reliability, cooperation, etc.
II. Ranking Method: Employees in a particular department or at a certain job level
are ranked from best to worst or vice versa. This comparative method allows easy
identification of high and low performers but doesn't indicate how much better or
worse one employee is compared to another.
III. Paired Comparison: A technique where every employee in a group is compared
with every other employee in pairwise fashion. It's more precise than simple
ranking but can be time-consuming for large groups.
IV. Forced Distribution: This is similar to grading on a curve. Predetermined
proportions of employees are categorized into categories like 'high performers',
'average performers', 'low performers'.
V. Critical Incident Method: It involves recording examples of effective and
ineffective behavior of employees during their performance period.
VI. Essay Method: The evaluator writes a brief narrative describing an employee's
performance. This can provide rich qualitative data, but can be subjective and time-
consuming.
2. Modern Methods
I. Management by Objectives (MBO): Instead of focusing on personal traits, this
method centres on results. Specific objectives are set for each employee and the
employee is evaluated on the fulfillment of these objectives.
II. 360-Degree Feedback: In this system, an individual's performance is evaluated by
several people like immediate supervisors, team members, customers, peers, and
the individuals themselves (self-assessment). This gives a comprehensive view of
an employee's performance.
III. Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS): This method combines
elements of traditional rating scales with specific behavioral examples. It focuses
on definite behaviors that lead to job success.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
IV. Assessment Centres: They are typically used for managerial level promotions.
Individuals are asked to perform tasks similar to those they would perform in the
job in question. Their performance is observed by multiple trained observers.
V. Psychological Appraisals: These assessments evaluate an employee's future
potential rather than past performance. Trained psychologists assess employees
through in-depth interviews, psychological tests, discussions, etc.
VI. Balance Scorecard: This system not only measures performance but also helps in
implementing strategic plans. It takes into account financial and non-financial
measures, internal improvements, innovation, and customer satisfaction levels to
evaluate performance.

FUTURE OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

1. Continuous Feedback and Coaching: The traditional annual performance review


is gradually being replaced by more frequent and ongoing feedback and coaching.
Real-time feedback tools, instant messaging, and mobile apps will facilitate
continuous performance discussions between managers and employees.
2. Data-Driven Performance Analytics: HRM will increasingly rely on data
analytics and AI to gather and analyze performance-related data. Predictive
analytics will help identify trends and patterns, enabling better decision-making
and performance improvement strategies.
3. Objective Performance Measurement: Organizations will move towards more
objective performance measurement, relying on quantifiable metrics and Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess employee contributions and
accomplishments.
4. Focus on Skills and Competencies: The emphasis will shift from merely
evaluating past performance to assessing an employee's skills, competencies, and
potential for future growth and development.
5. Personalized Performance Plans: Performance management will become more
personalized, with individualized development plans tailored to each employee's
unique strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations.
6. 360-Degree Feedback and Multi-source Reviews: The use of 360-degree
feedback and multi-source reviews will increase, providing a holistic view of an
employee's performance from various perspectives.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
7. Emphasis on Employee Well-being and Engagement: The future of performance
management will prioritize employee well-being and engagement, recognizing that
a motivated and happy workforce leads to better performance outcomes.
8. Crowdsourced Feedback: Organizations may adopt tools that allow employees to
give feedback to their peers, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous
improvement.
9. Gamification: Gamification elements may be integrated into performance
management processes to make them more engaging and motivating for
employees.
10. Real-Time Performance Tracking: Technology will enable real-time
performance tracking, providing managers and employees with instant insights into
progress and achievements.
11. Decentralized Performance Management: Traditional hierarchical performance
management systems may give way to more decentralized and agile approaches,
empowering teams and individuals to manage their own performance more
effectively.
12. AI-driven Performance Coaching: Artificial Intelligence will be used to offer
personalized coaching and development recommendations based on an employee's
performance data and learning preferences.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

What is compensation

Compensation, in a general sense, refers to the sum of all the financial and non-
financial rewards that employees receive in exchange for their work, time, and
contributions to an organization. It encompasses various elements of remuneration
and benefits provided to employees as a part of their employment package.

Definition: According to Garydessler, “Compensation means all forms of pay or


rewards going to employees and arising from their employment.

Basic Salary: Basic salary, also known as base salary or fixed salary, is the fixed
amount of money paid to an employee for their regular work hours, excluding any
additional bonuses, incentives, overtime pay, or other allowances. It is the core
component of an employee's compensation package and serves as the foundation
upon which other benefits and allowances are calculated.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
Total compensation: It refers to the complete package of all financial and non-
financial rewards that an employee receives in exchange for their work and services
provided to an organization. It includes not only the base salary or wages but also
various additional benefits, incentives, and allowances.

Total reward system: A total reward system is a strategic approach to employee


compensation that goes beyond the traditional focus on salary or wages. It is a
comprehensive framework that encompasses all the financial and non-financial
elements of employee rewards, benefits, and recognition provided by an
organization in exchange for their work and contributions.

Forms of pay

Forms of pay refer to the various ways in which employees can be compensated
for their work and services provided to an organization. Different forms of pay may
be used to suit the specific needs of the organization and the preferences of the
employees. Some common forms of pay include: Base Salary, Hourly Wages:
Bonuses, Commissions, Incentives Overtime Pay, Shift Differentials, Piece Rate
Pay, Profit Sharing Stock Options or Equity, Allowances, Performance-Based Pay
Benefits, Recognition and Rewards Programs.

FACTORS INFLUENCING ON COMPENSATION

1. Internal Factors:
a. Organizational Strategy: The compensation strategy is aligned with the
organization's overall strategic goals and objectives. For example, if the company
aims to attract top talent, it may offer competitive salaries and benefits.
b. Financial Position: The financial health and performance of the organization
impact its ability to provide competitive compensation packages. Profitable
companies may have more resources for higher salaries and bonuses.
c. Job Evaluation: The organization assesses the relative value of different jobs
through job evaluation methods. Jobs with higher complexity, responsibility, and
skill requirements may receive higher compensation.
d. Pay Structure and Policy: The internal pay structure and policies guide how
compensation is determined for different job levels and positions within the
organization.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
e. Performance Management: Employee performance and contributions are often
linked to compensation. High-performing employees may receive higher raises or
bonuses.
f. Internal Equity: Internal fairness is considered to ensure that employees are
compensated fairly compared to their peers in similar roles within the organization.
g. Employee Experience: The level of experience and expertise an employee brings
to the organization may influence their compensation level. Experienced and highly
skilled employees may receive higher pay.
h. Labor Union Agreements: In unionized environments, collective bargaining
agreements can significantly impact compensation levels and benefits for
employees.
2. External Factors:
a. Labor Market Conditions: The supply and demand for talent in the labor market
play a significant role in determining compensation. In a competitive job market,
employers may need to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent.
b. Economic Conditions: The overall state of the economy can influence salary
budgets and compensation decisions. In a booming economy, organizations may
have more resources for pay increases.
c. Industry Standards: Compensation levels may be influenced by industry norms
and standards. Companies may benchmark their compensation practices against
competitors in the same industry.
d. Legislation and Regulations: Employment laws and regulations, such as
minimum wage laws or equal pay requirements, can impact compensation
decisions.
e. Cost of Living: Compensation may be adjusted based on the cost of living in
different geographical locations, particularly for organizations with multiple
locations.
f. Social and Cultural Factors: Cultural norms and societal expectations regarding
compensation may influence how organizations structure their pay and benefits.
g. Globalization: Globalization can impact compensation decisions, especially for
multinational companies operating in different countries with varying labor
markets and economic conditions.

ESTABLISHING PAY RATES

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
Establishing pay rates is an integral part of a company's compensation strategy and
involves deciding how much to pay employees for their work. The process is
influenced by various internal and external factors and requires careful planning
and implementation. Some steps typically involved in establishing pay rates:

1. Conduct a Job Analysis: The first step is to conduct a thorough job analysis to
understand the tasks, responsibilities, and requirements of each job role within the
organization. This will help in determining the relative value or worth of each job.
2. Job Evaluation: Once job analysis is complete, job evaluation is done to rank jobs
in terms of their complexity, skill requirements, responsibility level, and overall
importance to the organization. This helps in establishing a hierarchical structure
of jobs and their relative pay levels.
3. Market Pay Surveys: Conducting market pay surveys helps organizations
understand the prevailing market rates for various job roles. This involves
researching what competitors and similar industries are paying for comparable
roles.
4. Develop a Pay Structure: Based on the job evaluation and market pay surveys, a
pay structure is developed. This structure typically includes a range of pay grades
or bands, with each grade having a minimum, mid-point, and maximum pay rate.
Each job is then assigned to a specific pay grade based on its relative worth within
the organization.
5. Establish Pay Policies: Organizations also need to establish pay policies that
determine how employees move within the pay structure, including policies for pay
raises, promotions, bonuses, and other forms of compensation.
6. Consider Legal Compliance: Compliance with legal requirements, such as
minimum wage laws, overtime regulations, and equal pay legislation, is essential
in establishing pay rates.
7. Review and Update Regularly: Compensation is not a set-it-and-forget-it aspect
of business. It's essential to regularly review and update pay rates based on changes
in the labor market, economic conditions, company performance, and employee
performance and skills.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
Employee benefits, also known as fringe benefits or perks, are non-monetary
rewards and offerings provided by employers to their employees in addition to their
regular salary or wages. These benefits are designed to enhance the overall
compensation package and improve the well-being, job satisfaction, and work-life
balance of employees. Employee benefits can vary widely from one organization
to another, but some common examples include: Health Insurance Retirement
Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO), Flexible Working Hours, Family and Parental Leave,
Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Transportation
Benefits

INDUSRIAL RELATIONS

Decent workplace

A decent workplace in industrial relations refers to a work environment where the


rights of workers are respected, and they have access to fair and safe employment
conditions that promote their well-being, dignity, and development. The concept of
a decent workplace is central to the International Labour Organization's (ILO)
agenda, which emphasizes the importance of social justice, workers' rights, and
human-centred approaches to work.

Industrial Relations, often abbreviated as IR, is the multidisciplinary field of study


and practice that deals with the relationship between employers, employees, and
labor unions within an industrial or organizational setting. It focuses on managing
and regulating the interactions and negotiations between these stakeholders to
maintain harmony, fairness, and productivity in the workplace.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), industrial relations


refer to the relationships and interactions between employers, workers, and
governments in the workplace. It encompasses the whole range of issues
concerning the employment relationship, including the rights and responsibilities
of employers and workers, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and the
promotion of social dialogue.

OBJECTIVES OF INDUSTRAIL RELATIONS

The objectives of industrial relations are multifaceted and aim to create


harmonious, productive, and equitable relationships among employers, workers,

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
and the government. These objectives are essential for promoting social justice,
economic growth, and a stable work environment. The key objectives of industrial
relations include:

1. Promote Social Justice: Industrial relations seek to ensure fairness and equity in
the workplace, protecting the rights of workers and promoting decent work
conditions for all employees.
2. Enhance Labor-Management Relations: Fostering positive and constructive
relationships between employers and workers is vital for effective communication,
cooperation, and problem-solving.
3. Ensure Workers' Rights: Industrial relations aim to protect and uphold the
fundamental rights of workers, including freedom of association, collective
bargaining, and the elimination of forced labor and child labor.
4. Minimize Industrial Conflicts: By providing mechanisms for dispute resolution
and negotiation, industrial relations work to minimize conflicts and strikes in the
workplace.
5. Promote Social Dialogue: Encouraging social dialogue between employers,
workers, and the government facilitates collaborative decision-making and policy
development, leading to more effective and inclusive labor policies.
6. Improve Working Conditions: Industrial relations strive to create safe and
healthy working environments, ensuring the well-being and welfare of employees.
7. Stimulate Economic Growth: By maintaining stable industrial relations,
businesses can operate smoothly, leading to increased productivity and economic
growth.
8. Facilitate Economic and Social Development: A conducive industrial relations
environment supports economic development and social progress by fostering
harmonious labor-management relations.
9. Ensure Compliance with Labor Laws: Industrial relations help ensure that
employers comply with labor laws and regulations, safeguarding the rights of
workers.
10. Encourage Skill Development and Training: By supporting training and
development initiatives, industrial relations contribute to a skilled and capable
workforce.

APPROACHES OF INDUSTRAIL RELATION SYSTEMS

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
1. Psychological Approach: The psychological approach to industrial relations
focuses on understanding the attitudes, motivations, and behavior of individual
workers and how these factors influence their relationship with the organization. It
emphasizes the importance of studying individual and group psychology to address
issues like employee morale, job satisfaction, and motivation. This approach
highlights the significance of recognizing employees as individuals with unique
needs and aspirations, and it seeks to create a positive and supportive work
environment that fosters employee well-being and productivity.
2. Sociological Approach: The sociological approach to industrial relations looks at
the broader social and cultural factors that shape the dynamics between employers
and workers. It examines the influence of social structures, power dynamics, and
societal norms on labor relations. This approach recognizes that industrial relations
are influenced by factors beyond the workplace, such as class struggle, social
inequality, and cultural values. Understanding these larger social forces is essential
for promoting social justice, addressing issues like worker exploitation, and
advocating for workers' rights on a societal level.
3. V V Giri Approach: The V V Giri approach to industrial relations is named after
V. V. Giri, a former President of India and a prominent labor leader. This approach
emphasizes the role of the state in promoting industrial peace and social welfare. It
advocates for strong labor laws and regulations to protect workers' rights and
interests. The V V Giri approach supports collective bargaining, social dialogue,
and the involvement of government institutions in resolving labor disputes. It seeks
to strike a balance between the interests of employers, workers, and the
government, with the ultimate goal of achieving social harmony and equitable
industrial relations.
4. Gandhian Approach: The Gandhian approach to industrial relations is inspired by
the teachings and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. It advocates for a non-violent and
cooperative approach to resolving labor issues. This approach emphasizes mutual
trust, understanding, and empathy between employers and workers. The Gandhian
approach promotes voluntary arbitration, mediation, and dialogue to resolve
disputes instead of resorting to strikes or other confrontational methods. It also
emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dignity of labor and providing fair
treatment and living wages to workers.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
5. HRD Approach (Human Resource Development): The HRD approach to
industrial relations focuses on developing human resources, enhancing employee
skills and capabilities, and creating a learning and development-oriented work
culture. It views employees as valuable assets of the organization and emphasizes
the importance of investing in their growth and well-being. The HRD approach
aims to align individual and organizational goals, foster employee engagement, and
create opportunities for career advancement and personal development. This
approach recognizes that effective human resource management is essential for
building strong employer-employee relationships and achieving organizational
success.

ACTORS IN INDUSTRAIL RELATION

The key actors in industrial relations represent the three primary parties that interact
within the employment relationship. They each play a significant role in shaping
the work environment, and they often have different interests, perspectives, and
goals. The three main actors in industrial relations are:

1. Employers and their organizations: Employers, whether they are individual


business owners or multinational corporations, have a crucial role in industrial
relations. They are responsible for making decisions related to hiring, wages,
working conditions, and other aspects of employment. Employers' organizations,
such as chambers of commerce or industry trade associations, represent the
collective interests of employers. They may engage in lobbying activities, negotiate
with labor unions on behalf of employers, or provide resources and support to help
employers manage their workforce.
2. Employees and their organizations: Employees, the individuals who work for the
employers, are the other main party in industrial relations. They contribute their
skills, effort, and time to the organization in exchange for wages and other benefits.
Employees often form or join unions or other labor organizations to collectively
represent their interests and address issues related to pay, working conditions, job
security, and other employment matters. These labor organizations play a
significant role in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving disputes,
and advocating for workers' rights.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
3. Government: The government, as the regulatory body, sets the legal and policy
framework within which industrial relations operate. This includes laws and
regulations related to labor standards, workers' rights, health and safety, non-
discrimination, and other aspects of employment. The government also provides
mechanisms for dispute resolution, such as labor courts or arbitration services. In
some cases, the government may directly intervene in industrial relations, for
example, in situations involving public sector workers or during major labor
disputes that affect public interest.

Each of these actors plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of industrial relations. The
relationship among these three parties can shape the work environment, influence
the balance of power in the workplace, and impact social and economic outcomes.
Effective industrial relations require constructive dialogue, negotiation, and
cooperation among these actors, with the shared goal of promoting decent work,
social justice, and economic prosperity.

INDIAN CONTEXT

In the Indian context, industrial relations have been a significant aspect of the
country's economic and social landscape. India has a diverse and complex
industrial relations system influenced by its historical, political, and cultural
factors. The country's industrial relations framework is characterized by the
involvement of multiple actors, including employers, employees, labor unions, and
the government.

Features of industrial relations in the Indian context are:

1. Labor Unions: India has a strong tradition of labor unions, which play a crucial
role in representing the interests of workers and negotiating with employers. Trade
unions in India are often organized along industry lines and have affiliations with
different political parties. These unions advocate for workers' rights, collective
bargaining, and social welfare measures.
2. Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is a common practice in Indian
industrial relations, where employers and labor unions negotiate terms and
conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Collective agreements, once reached, become legally binding.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
3. Industrial Disputes: India has a history of labor unrest and industrial disputes.
Strikes, protests, and lockouts are used as tools by both labor unions and employers
to advance their interests and resolve conflicts.
4. Legislation: India has comprehensive labor laws and regulations governing
industrial relations, which cover areas such as minimum wages, working hours,
occupational health and safety, social security, and the right to organize and bargain
collectively.
5. Tripartite Forums: The Indian government has established various tripartite
forums that bring together representatives of employers, employees, and the
government to discuss labor-related issues, policy formulation, and social dialogue.
6. Labor Welfare: The Indian government has introduced several labor welfare
measures to protect workers' rights, provide social security, and promote decent
work conditions. These include schemes for healthcare, education, and housing for
workers and their families.
7. Public Sector and PSU Unions: The Indian public sector has a significant
presence, and trade unions in public sector undertakings (PSUs) are influential
actors in industrial relations. These unions advocate for workers' rights and often
engage in negotiations with government agencies.
8. Informal Sector: India's informal sector, which employs a significant portion of
the workforce, presents unique challenges in terms of labor rights, job security, and
access to social protection.

INDUSTRIAL RELATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management are two distinct, but
interrelated fields that play critical roles in managing the employment relationship
and fostering a positive and productive work environment. Both disciplines are
concerned with the management of people at work, but they each have their unique
focus and approach.

Industrial Relations is primarily concerned with the relationships between


employers and employees, particularly in the context of collective representation
and labor unions. It focuses on the nature and dynamics of these relationships,
including collective bargaining, negotiation, dispute resolution, and the regulation
of employment conditions. Industrial Relations often involves a broader socio-

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA
economic perspective, considering factors such as labor law, social policy,
economic conditions, and the influence of labor unions.

On the other hand, Human Resources Management (HRM) is about managing


people within the organization, from recruitment to retirement. It deals with a wide
range of functions, including talent acquisition, training and development,
performance management, compensation and benefits, and employee engagement.
HRM is typically focused on aligning individual employees' goals and performance
with the organization's strategic objectives. It seeks to maximize employee
productivity and well-being while minimizing workplace conflicts and employee
turnover.

Despite their differences, both Industrial Relations and HRM intersect in many
ways:

Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Both fields aim to promote a positive


work environment, enhance employee engagement, and improve job satisfaction.

Conflict Resolution: Both HRM and industrial relations involve mechanisms for
resolving conflicts and disputes within the workplace.

Legal Compliance: Both fields ensure that employment practices comply with
labor laws and regulations, protecting the rights and interests of workers.

Organizational Performance: Both fields contribute to organizational


performance and productivity by managing people effectively and promoting
harmonious labor-management relations.

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM


2ND Semester, Department of MBA

Mr. Darshan. P| Assistant Professor, MITM

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