Topic 6: Human Resource Management

Question 1

What is HRM?

Answer 1

The design, implementation and maintenance of strategies to manage people for optimum business performance

Question 2

What is the overall aim of Human Resource Management?

Answer 2

Maximize the contribution of employees to the organization’s overall objectives.

Question 3

Examples of HR objectives

Answer 3

• employee engagement
• talent development
• training
• diversity
• alignment of employer and employee values
• the number, skills and location of employees

Question 4

What is hard HRM?

Answer 4

• treats employees simply as a resource of the business

Question 5

What is soft HRM?

Answer 5

• treats employees as the most important resource in the business and a source of competitive advantage
• employees are treated as individuals

Question 6

Advantage of hard HRM?

Answer 6

Might result in a more cost-effective workforce where decision-making is quicker and focused on senior managers

Question 7

Disadvantage of hard HRM?

Answer 7

Might expect to suffer from higher absenteeism and staff turnover and less successful recruitment

Question 8

Advantage of soft HRM?

Answer 8

an approach which rewards employee performance and motivates staff more effectively

Question 9

Disadvantage of soft HRM?

Answer 9

When all the employee benefits are added the cost of the workforce may leave a business at a competitive disadvantage