Deck 1: Human Resource Management

Question 1

Why is the HR department playing a more significant role in organizational strategic planning processes today than it did 20 years ago?

Answer 1

Management  is nothing but ways by which a person manage people and control them in an organization. Manager is the one who is responsible for managing people. 
Human resource management is the function of managing human resources or employees to improve their performance, so that they can meet the organizational objectives as they are the important assets of the business.
Strategic planning  is the process by which the organization define its strategy and allocate its resources appropriately to proceed with the strategy. 
Earlier, the HRM functions were not linked to the companies bottom-line and the HR department was just treated as a unit to deal with people. The HR department of many organizations faced problem in adopting strategic perspective as the organization focus only on short term goals. Many HR managers lacked strategic approach as they were less trained and educated and they focused more on their area of expertise. They lack knowledge related to international business, accounting, finance, etc. The HR managers faced problem in tracking HRM programs as they were unaware to use HR matrix.
In today's world, HR department is playing important role in organizational strategic planning because:
• Business are more focused towards achieving the long-term goals.
• Business are more focused towards achieving and sustaining the competitive advantage.
• Business are more focused towards meeting the triple bottom-line.
• Business are expanding globally so it is important for business to have sufficient knowledge of international operations, finance, accounting, marketing and production.
• Business are focusing more on investing in human assets which is important for proper functioning of the organization.
• Organization function in dynamic environment so they should be adaptable to change effectively.
Today, businesses are linking organizational and human resource plan with business strategies. HRM is playing important role in strategic planning and organizational change. HRM focus on people, profit and overall effectiveness of the organization. HR department is contributing towards the goals and mission of the organization. HRM is accountable for productivity, downsizing and redesigning of the organization. Furthermore, it also plays a crucial role in managing diverse workforce and using the resources effectively to manage the changing needs of business.

Question 2

Why is it correct to conclude that all managers are involved in the human resource management function and implementing HRM activities and programs?

Answer 2

Although HR managers are responsible for formulating and distributing information on HRM activities, programs, and solutions, it is the front-line managers and supervisors who must implement and enforce these policies on a daily, face-to-face basis with the employees. Without managerial participation and support, there will likely be major human resource issues that will prevent the organization from attaining both individual and organizational goals. Organizational and human resource plans and strategies are inextricably linked.

Question 3

How has increased globalization influenced the way HRM is practiced in the United States?

Answer 3

HRM refers to Human resource management is nothing but the function of managing human resources or employees in order to improve the performance of employees so that they can meet the organizational objectives as they are the important assets of the business.
Globalization  is the process by which the business or organization extend its operations internationally by developing international influence. This is developed by integrating and interchanging the views, products, cultural aspects, etc. internationally. With growing economy and globalization, there is increase in competition in every field. Companies are using innovative business strategies to be on top. Globalization promote  global economic growth  by  creating jobs , developing  more competition  among the companies and extending the market for the products or service which can be readily available for the consumers across the globe.
Increased globalization has influenced the way HRM is practiced in United States as it has resulted in growing global competition, setting up of virtual organization structure, technologies are expanding rapidly, businesses are outsourcing their operations, the demand for individual, team and organizational competencies are increasing, legal and compliance scrutiny has increased and customers' expectations have become higher. These changes in the environment is related to changes in human resources like changes in composition, education and attitude of employees. So, HRM function should plan according to these changes so that organization can meet the goal effectively.

Question 4

Why has the HRM function increased in stature and influence in many organizations?

Question 5

Do accreditation procedures make the HRM field professional? In other words, are lawyers, doctors, and HRM managers professional?

Question 6

What difficulties would an HRM executive face in assessing and then communicating the contribution of his or her area to the company profit margin?

Question 7

The book proposes that Peter Drucker is incorrect when he states that work in HRM is nothing more than the work of a file clerk. What has happened in the world of work to make this statement false?

Question 8

Why is it necessary for the HRM area to clearly communicate human resource policies?

Question 9

Why should even very small firms (with 10 to 100 employees) be concerned about HRM?

Question 10

What do you think about Don Brokop's decision to accept the position of assistant director in HR?

Question 11

Human resource management consists of numerous activities. What areas were illustrated by Sam's schedule on this particular day?

Question 12

List the areas of ineffective management and time robbers that are affecting Sam.

Question 13

Discuss Sam's career progress. Is he promotable?