Assignment on Human Resources Management

Introduction of Human Resources Management (HRM)

             Human Resources Management (HRM) is a strategic approach to the effective management of the workforce at the workplace. Human Resources Management (HRM) supports the organization to ensure a competitive edge in the targeted market by maximization of the productivity and performance outcomes of the workforce (Basu, Sahu, & Rajiv, 2012). HR managers in the organizations develop plans and executive HR practices to ensure the accomplishment of organizational objectives. In the present work, two organizations are studied in detail to provide an overview of the HR practices and strategies employed in these organizations (Shaito, 2019). The Forestry Commission is a government department that is taken as a public sector organization in the present work. While on the other hand, Harrods is a well-known brand working all over the world with more than 330 different departments. Present work will discuss the process of workforce planning, measures of personnel effective, implications of employment market trends, the effectiveness of management by objectives, motivational methods, and leadership styles in relation to two organizations (the Forestry Commission and Harrods).          

2.      Process of Workforce Planning of Human Resources Management (HRM)

The process of workforce planning includes the identification and analysis of organizational needs on a continuous basis with the relation to the accomplishment of organizational goals (Basu, Sahu, & Rajiv, 2012). In accordance with the analysis, the turnover rate is really high in Harrods, therefore, HR management in Harrods conducts a survey to collect information about the key reasons supporting turnover. Moreover, the HR department also develops plans for the recruitment and selection of suitable employees for available job positions (Cotten, 2009). While in the Forestry Commission, mangers identify the organizational need for workforce before recruiting employees. After the identification of need, they create employment in the organization. Take the example of employment created and career development opportunities provided in forestry by the Forestry Commission.     

3.      Measures of Personnel Effectiveness of Human Resources Management (HRM)

         Personnel effectiveness is linked with the employee’s productivity and performance outcomes (Bourne, Mills, Wilcox, Neely, & Platts, 2000). In both organizations, different measures of personnel effectiveness are created by HR managers. The Forestry Commission is highly concerned with the personnel effectiveness, therefore, they provide proper training and development sessions to their employees in order to promote effectiveness in their performance. In Harrods, personnel effectiveness is given key importance as an organization has created a flexible environment for employees that result in an increase in their productivity and performance outcomes. According to analysis, the suggested measure for the Forestry Commission and Harrods is to use a 360 appraisal system for the measurement of effectiveness.

4.      Implications of Recent Trends in the Employment Market

            Employment market trends are changing with the passage of time (Basu, Sahu, & Rajiv, 2012). In this changing external environment, HR management of both organizations develop different strategies and ensure HR practices to respond effectively towards these recent trends of employment market. The Forestry Commission follow up with employees' health and safety laws. Moreover, as the Forestry Commission is focused on green development, therefore, they pay special attention to the legal regulations of the employment market. The Forestry Commission also pay fair wages to their employee. While on the other hand, in Harrods human resources management is also responding towards changing recent market trends in a positive way. Harrods stands against discrimination and extra work responsibilities on a staff member by following relevant rules and employment acts.

5.      Various Methods used for Motivating Staff

         Various methods used to motivate staff members in both organizations are presented below:

The Forestry Commission

Harrods

v  Free of cost "Training and development" opportunities are given to employees. v  Administrative support is given to employees. v  Delegation of authority to give employees confidence and motivation.

v  Full fill the personal needs of employees v  Focus on Intrinsic satisfaction and psychological needs of employees v  Harrods also follow up job rotation, job enlargement, and job enrichment strategies to develop motivation in the employees. v  Monetary and financial incentives given to the employees. v  Non-monetary rewards and benefits are given to employees such as respect, involvement in the decision-making process, recognition and appreciation.

 

6.      Different Leadership Styles of Human Resources Management (HRM)

             Leadership styles represent the ways and methods about how employees are treated by the leaders in the organization. Key leadership styles are the autocratic leadership style, paternalistic leadership style, democratic leadership style, and laissez-faire leadership styles. The leadership style employed in the Harrods organization is a transformational leadership style. The transformational leadership style is basically a style relatively similar to the democratic leadership style (Tewari, 2019) and (Hubspot, 2019). If the leadership style is evaluated then it can be said that employees are given the right to get involvement and participation in the decision making the process. While on the other hand, leadership style employed by the Forestry Commission is all most democratic in which employees are delegated authority (Harris & Hartman, 2001).   

7.      Effectiveness of Management by Objectives of Human Resources Management (HRM)

            Management by objective also abbreviated as MBO has key importance in the history of management. Management by objective is about seeking improvement in the performance outcomes of the employees and overall organization by setting objectives and aligning all activities of the workforce with these objectives. Assessment of MBO effectiveness explains that the involvement of employees in the goals setting process results in an increase in employee satisfaction because of which we can promote employee's performance outcomes.  Employees satisfied with their job and work responsibilities can perform better as compared to the dissatisfied employees, therefore, concluding this we can say that MBO is highly effective for the organization in order to get success and high productivity (Harris & Hartman, 2001).    

8.      Significance of Modern Trends in Delegation and Consultation

          Delegation is a new trend in the managerial system. Delegation basically represents the extent to which a supervisor or a leader passes authority and responsibility to the subordinates and workers. While on the other hand, in consultation employees are given the opportunity to present their opinions on a variety of subjects. The Forestry Commission and Harrods both organizations are following delegation and consultation. Harrods takes the opinion of their employees to ensure their engagement in the business and to motivate employees. While delegation supports The Forestry Commission to improve organizational performance.   The delegation has huge significance because it increases the motivation of the employees by engaging them in the decision making the process.

9.      Changing roles of trade unions

            Trade unions are the group of employees in the organizations and society who work together to improve and maintain the employment conditions. Trade unions negotiate agreements with employees on conditions and pay. Moreover, trade unions also provide employees and members with financial and legal advice. Somehow, with the passage of time, the trade union role is also changing in many countries. In recent years employees are also getting involvement and membership in the trade unions to stand against the policies and strategies that go against them. The trade union also works like collective bargaining to negotiate with both parties and make a settlement or agreement between employees and employers.       

10.  Significance of ACAS for modern industrial relations

           ACAS represents Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Services. ACAS as a government-funded organization work in society to resolve employment conflicts and disputes. In relation to the potential claim, Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Services providing organization offer to conciliate between an employee and organization. In modern industrial relations, Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Services have significant importance as such organizations can provide legal advice to resolve disputes. Moreover, it ensures confidentiality, cost-efficient performance, and flexible working legislations. Somehow, it provides an alternative to an employment tribunal hearing. ACAS is also supportive of the Forestry Commission and Harrods to ensure conflict-free workplace and satisfied employees. 

11.  Significance of recent trends in employee participation schemes

            Recent trends in employee participation schemes in both organizations are significant. Employees participation schemes are basically the representation of the employee's involvement in the decision-making process. In Harrods and Forestry Commission organization employees are given opportunities to participate in the decision-making process rather than only following instructions given by their supervisors and managers of the departments. The involvement and participation of employees in these organizations are mainly ensured for the improvement of productivity, organizational outcomes, and workplace safety and overall future and image of these companies in the market. Employee participation schemes are basically a management and leadership philosophy of these organizations.

12.  Recommendations of Human Resources Management (HRM)

In accordance with the analysis and evaluation of the human resources policies and practices carried out by the management of Harrods and Forestry Commission some recommendations are presented below:

v  Harrods should pay more attention to the increasing turnover rate of the organization. Increase in turnover rate results in an increase in the overall cost. Therefore Harrods need to control the increasing turnover rate.

v  Forestry Commission should use a proper performance appraisal system in the organization to get promote employees' performance outcomes. Improvement in the performance outcomes of employees will definitely result in an increase in financial profitability.         

13.  Conclusion of Human Resources Management (HRM)

Summarizing the whole discussion, it can be said that Harrods and Forestry Commission both organizations are working with effective and appropriate human resources practices. The importance given to the employees in the decision-making process of both organizations will result in an increase in overall benefits and profitability. Leadership styles adopted by both organizations are democratic which is based on the idea to support employee participation and provide feedback to the employees to make them motivated and satisfied with the organization.