HRM Notes Chapter 1
HRM Notes Chapter 1
Pallobi Chattopadhyay
HRM is all about people in organizations. No wonder that some MNC’s (Multinationals) call the HR
managers as People Managers, People Enablers and the practice as People Management. In the 21st
century organizations, the HR manager or the people manager is no longer seen as someone who
takes care of the activities described in the traditional way.
In fact, most organizations have different departments dealing with Staffing, Payroll, and Retention
etc. Instead, the HR manager is responsible for managing employee expectations vis-à-vis the
management objectives and reconciling both to ensure employee fulfillment and realization of
management objectives.
1. Societal Objectives
Definition:
Societal objectives refer to HRM's responsibility to meet the needs of society and contribute to the
welfare of the community at large. HRM must ensure that the organization follows legal and ethical
practices and contributes to the overall social good. This includes promoting social justice, fairness,
and adherence to laws and regulations.
Key Activities:
Ensuring compliance with labor laws, human rights, and ethical standards.
Promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization.
Contributing to the welfare of employees and society through corporate social responsibility
(CSR) activities.
Example:
An organization implements policies to prevent discrimination and promote equal employment
opportunities for all employees, irrespective of gender, race, or disability. The HR department also
engages in CSR activities like supporting local communities through donations and volunteer
programs.
2. Organizational Objectives
Definition:
Organizational objectives refer to HRM's role in supporting the strategic goals and overall mission of
the organization. The focus here is on ensuring that the HR function helps the organization achieve
its short-term and long-term goals, such as increasing profitability, expanding market share, and
improving overall performance.
Key Activities:
Recruiting and retaining employees with the right skills and qualifications to meet
organizational needs.
Ensuring that the workforce is motivated and productive to achieve company goals.
Developing training programs to enhance employees’ skills and improve overall
organizational performance.
Example:
A company in the retail sector sets a goal to increase its market share by 10% in the next year. HR
supports this by recruiting skilled salespeople, providing them with extensive product training, and
offering incentives for meeting sales targets, thereby directly contributing to the company’s success.
3. Functional Objectives
Definition:
Functional objectives refer to the specific goals that HRM must achieve to effectively manage and
administer the HR function. These objectives ensure that HR practices are efficient, cost-effective,
and aligned with the organization's needs. It focuses on improving the quality of HR services and the
overall efficiency of HR operations.
Key Activities:
Ensuring effective recruitment, training, and development systems are in place.
Maintaining a fair and competitive compensation and benefits system.
Continuously improving HR processes to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and ensure legal
compliance.
Example:
The HR department aims to reduce turnover rates by improving employee engagement and
satisfaction through initiatives like feedback surveys, regular training, and offering career
development opportunities. Another functional objective might include reducing hiring time by
streamlining the recruitment process.
4. Personal Objectives
Definition:
Personal objectives focus on the development and growth of individual employees. These objectives
aim to satisfy the personal aspirations and career needs of employees while aligning with the
organizational goals. HRM should help employees enhance their skills and grow professionally, which
in turn benefits the organization.
Key Activities:
Providing career development opportunities, training, and mentoring.
Ensuring work-life balance and overall employee well-being.
Supporting employees in achieving their personal career goals through structured programs
and developmental activities.
Example:
A company supports employees’ career development by offering leadership training programs,
mentoring, and a clear path for promotion within the organization. HR also ensures employees have
access to wellness programs and work-life balance initiatives to improve their job satisfaction.
1. Planning
Definition:
Planning in HRM involves forecasting the future human resource needs of the organization and
determining how to fulfil those needs. It is the foundation of all other HR functions, as it ensures that
the right people are in place to achieve organizational goals.
Key Aspects of Planning:
Forecasting HR needs based on organizational objectives.
Determining the number and type of employees required (skills, experience, etc.).
Identifying gaps between current and future HR needs.
Formulating strategies to meet these needs (e.g., recruitment strategies, training programs).
Example:
A company plans to expand its operations in a new market and realizes that they need to hire 100
additional sales staff in the next quarter. The HR department forecasts the type of skills needed and
develops a recruitment plan to attract the right candidates.
2. Organizing
Definition:
Organizing in HRM refers to structuring the workforce, defining roles and responsibilities, and
allocating resources to ensure the efficient achievement of organizational goals. It involves arranging
the necessary resources (human, financial, and physical) to implement the HR plans.
Key Aspects of Organizing:
Establishing roles and responsibilities within the organization.
Designing organizational structure to facilitate the achievement of objectives.
Allocating resources like training, personnel, and tools to meet HR requirements.
Delegating authority to various individuals and departments.
Example:
An HR manager organizes the recruitment process by creating separate teams for shortlisting
resumes, conducting interviews, and making job offers. Each team has a clear role to play in the
recruitment process to ensure efficiency.
3. Staffing
Definition:
Staffing refers to the process of recruiting, selecting, training, and developing employees. It ensures
that the right people are placed in the right roles within the organization. This function is essential to
ensure that human resources are aligned with the needs of the organization.
Key Aspects of Staffing:
Recruitment and selection of candidates based on the organization’s needs.
Employee development through training programs and career development initiatives.
Placement of the right employees in the right roles.
Motivating and retaining employees by offering incentives and career advancement
opportunities.
Example:
A retail company conducts a recruitment drive to hire 200 new employees for its stores. After
selecting candidates based on skills and experience, the HR team provides a comprehensive
induction and training program to ensure new employees are equipped for their roles.
4. Directing
Definition:
Directing in HRM involves guiding, motivating, and leading employees to achieve the goals set by the
organization. It is the process of influencing employee behaviour, fostering effective communication,
and providing leadership to ensure employees perform at their best.
Key Aspects of Directing:
Providing leadership to employees to guide them in achieving organizational goals.
Motivating employees to enhance their performance and commitment.
Communicating effectively to ensure that employees understand their roles, responsibilities,
and organizational goals.
Resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony within the organization.
Example:
A department manager regularly communicates with their team to ensure they are aligned with
organizational goals. The manager also motivates the team by recognizing achievements, offering
rewards, and encouraging a collaborative work environment.
5. Controlling
Definition:
Controlling in HRM involves monitoring and evaluating employee performance and ensuring that
activities align with organizational objectives. It ensures that the HR plan is being executed effectively
and that corrective measures are taken if necessary.
Key Aspects of Controlling:
Monitoring employee performance to ensure they meet the goals set during the planning
phase.
Evaluating the effectiveness of HR policies and programs.
Implementing corrective actions when deviations from the plan occur.
Ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies.
Example:
HR conducts regular performance appraisals to assess employee performance against set targets. If
an employee is not meeting expectations, HR may provide additional training, mentorship, or
realignment of job roles to improve performance.
Operative Functions of HRM
Operative functions in Human Resource Management (HRM) refer to the day-to-day activities that
are carried out to implement the policies and plans designed under the managerial functions. These
functions are directly related to the management and administration of employees. The key
operative functions include Procurement, Development, Compensation, Maintenance, Motivation,
and Integration. Below is a detailed explanation of each of these functions, along with examples.
1. Procurement
Definition:
Procurement is the process of acquiring the right people for the organization. This involves
recruitment, selection, and placement of candidates who match the skills and qualifications required
by the organization.
Key Activities in Procurement:
Recruitment: Attracting suitable candidates through job advertisements, social media,
campus hiring, etc.
Selection: Choosing the right candidates based on qualifications, skills, and organizational fit
through interviews, tests, and assessments.
Placement: Assigning employees to appropriate roles that match their capabilities.
Example:
A manufacturing company is expanding and needs skilled engineers. HR conducts recruitment drives,
interviews candidates, and hires qualified engineers to meet the company’s growing needs.
2. Development
Definition:
Development refers to the activities designed to improve the skills, knowledge, and competencies of
employees to help them perform their roles effectively and grow within the organization. It involves
training, education, and career development programs.
Key Activities in Development:
Training: Providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job
functions.
Career Development: Helping employees plan their career paths, providing opportunities for
advancement, and guiding them toward achieving their professional goals.
Skill Enhancement: Offering specialized training to improve employees' technical or soft
skills.
Example:
An IT company provides its employees with training on the latest software development tools and
technologies to ensure they stay competitive in the market.
3. Compensation
Definition:
Compensation involves determining and managing the monetary and non-monetary rewards that
employees receive in exchange for their work. It includes salaries, wages, bonuses, benefits, and
other perks.
Key Activities in Compensation:
Salary and Wages: Deciding the pay structure based on the role, industry standards, and
performance.
Bonuses and Incentives: Offering performance-based bonuses to motivate employees to
meet or exceed their targets.
Benefits: Providing non-monetary benefits like health insurance, paid leave, retirement
plans, and other perks.
Example:
A sales company offers a base salary plus commission-based incentives to its sales staff. Employees
earn extra income based on the amount of sales they generate, motivating them to perform better.
4. Maintenance
Definition:
Maintenance refers to activities that ensure the continued well-being and satisfaction of employees
within the organization. It involves creating an environment where employees are happy, healthy,
and can perform at their best.
Key Activities in Maintenance:
Employee Welfare: Providing facilities and programs that enhance employees' quality of life,
like healthcare services, recreational activities, and work-life balance.
Workplace Safety: Ensuring that employees work in a safe and secure environment by
adhering to health and safety regulations.
Conflict Resolution: Addressing disputes and grievances to ensure a harmonious work
environment.
Example:
A company implements a wellness program offering employees gym memberships, regular health
check-ups, and stress management workshops to promote a healthy lifestyle.
5. Motivation
Definition:
Motivation refers to the process of encouraging employees to work towards achieving organizational
goals. HR ensures that employees are motivated through various strategies, including recognition,
rewards, and creating a positive work environment.
Key Activities in Motivation:
Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging employees’ efforts and rewarding them with
bonuses, promotions, or public recognition.
Creating a Positive Work Environment: Fostering a work culture that encourages creativity,
teamwork, and employee engagement.
Employee Engagement: Involving employees in decision-making and aligning them with
organizational values.
Example:
A company conducts an annual awards ceremony where employees are recognized for exceptional
performance, motivating them to continue delivering high-quality work.
6. Integration
Definition:
Integration is the process of aligning the interests of employees with those of the organization. It
focuses on creating a sense of unity, ensuring that employees feel part of the company’s mission and
goals.
Key Activities in Integration:
Aligning Employee Goals with Organizational Goals: Ensuring that employees understand
their roles in achieving the company’s objectives and are motivated to contribute towards
them.
Promoting Teamwork: Encouraging collaboration and fostering teamwork among employees
from different departments.
Building a Unified Culture: Creating a company culture that integrates all employees,
regardless of their roles, to work towards a common goal.
Example:
A tech company introduces a mentorship program, where senior employees guide and integrate new
hires into the company culture, ensuring alignment with organizational values and objectives.
HR POLICIES
Concept of HRD
Human Resource Development (HRD) is the process through which employees are trained,
developed, and provided with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The objective of
HRD is to maximize the potential of individuals in the workplace by providing them with the skills,
knowledge, and abilities needed to improve their performance and achieve organizational success.
HRD is not limited to just training programs; it includes the development of an organization's culture,
leadership, and long-term planning strategies to create an environment where employees can thrive.
Features of HRD
1. Training and Development
o One of the core features of HRD is the continuous training of employees to enhance
their current skills and help them acquire new competencies.
o Employee development programs are designed to improve performance in the
present role and prepare individuals for future responsibilities.
2. Career Development
o HRD ensures that employees have clear career paths and opportunities for growth.
Career development is a long-term process where employees are guided to reach
their potential.
o It includes succession planning and promotions to ensure that the organization
always has a pipeline of talented employees for leadership and critical roles.
3. Performance Management
o HRD focuses on aligning employee performance with the organization's objectives
through continuous feedback, evaluations, and performance appraisals.
o It helps identify gaps in skills, knowledge, and competencies, providing a framework
to address these gaps through training and development programs.
4. Employee Motivation and Engagement
o HRD works to enhance motivation by offering a supportive work environment, career
growth, recognition, and rewards.
o Engaging employees through training, mentoring, and coaching increases their
commitment and satisfaction with the organization.
5. Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
o HRD facilitates organizational learning by promoting a culture of continuous
improvement, where employees and teams share knowledge and best practices.
o It encourages a learning organization where individuals are constantly evolving and
adapting to new challenges and changes in the business environment.
6. Leadership Development
o A significant aspect of HRD is developing future leaders within the organization. HRD
programs focus on leadership training, mentoring, and providing opportunities for
employees to take on leadership roles.
o Effective leadership development ensures that the organization is equipped with
strong leaders who can guide teams and drive organizational success.
7. Employee Welfare and Well-being
o HRD also involves ensuring the overall well-being of employees, including their
physical, emotional, and mental health.
o This includes work-life balance, stress management programs, and initiatives that
support employee health and well-being.
8. Cultural Transformation and Change Management
o HRD plays a crucial role in shaping and transforming the organizational culture.
o It helps in change management by preparing employees for organizational changes
and ensuring they have the skills to adapt to new situations.
Difference between HRM (Human Resource Management) and HRD (Human Resource
Development):
Aspect Human Resource Management (HRM) Human Resource Development (HRD)
HRM is the strategic and comprehensive
HRD is a subset of HRM that focuses
management of human resources in an
specifically on developing employees’
organization to achieve organizational goals.
Definition skills, knowledge, and abilities to
It includes activities like recruitment,
enhance their performance and align
compensation, employee relations, and
with organizational goals.
performance management.
Broader, encompassing all aspects of
Narrower, focusing mainly on training,
managing employees such as recruitment,
Scope development, and career progression
compensation, employee relations, and
to improve employee capabilities.
performance management.
HRD is focused on the long-term
HRM focuses on managing people effectively
development and growth of
to achieve organizational objectives. It deals
Focus employees, aiming to enhance their
with day-to-day operational aspects of
skills and knowledge for better
employee management.
performance.
To hire, train, compensate, and retain To develop employees' potential,
employees; to ensure smooth functioning of improve their skills, ensure career
Key Objectives
employee relations and to maximize growth, and build leadership
employee performance. capabilities.
Recruitment, selection, compensation, Training, learning and development,
Primary employee relations, performance leadership development, career
Activities management, job design, and labour law planning, succession planning, and
compliance. performance improvement.
Focused on the present and short-term goals. Focused on the future, aiming to
Time
It handles the immediate needs of the develop employees for long-term
Orientation
organization. career growth and success.
Developmental, strategic, and focused
Operational, transactional, and administrative
Nature of on enhancing employees' skills and
functions, such as payroll, compliance with
Work potential through learning and career
labour laws, and handling grievances.
development programs.
Employees are viewed as resources to be Employees are seen as valuable assets
Role of
managed, motivated, and utilized efficiently whose continuous development will
Employees
for organizational goals. lead to organizational success.
Training programs, career
Recruitment, compensation, performance
Examples of development, skill-building
management, conflict resolution, and
Focus Areas workshops, leadership development,
compliance with regulations.
and succession planning.
HRM directly affects the functioning and HRD impacts the long-term success of
Impact on
operational efficiency of the organization the organization by creating a skilled,
Organization
through effective employee management. motivated, and capable workforce.
Focuses on immediate to medium-term Focuses on long-term development
Time Frame
objectives. and future organizational needs.
Aspect Human Resource Management (HRM) Human Resource Development (HRD)
Implementing skill development
Examples in Employee recruitment and retention, payroll
programs, leadership training, and
Practice systems, and handling employee complaints.
succession planning.