1-5 The Partnership of Managers and HR Professionals

Question 1

What is the manager’s role in relation to employees and the organization?

Answer 1

The manager serves as the key link between employees and the organization, guiding and motivating employees to contribute effectively to organizational success.

Question 2

Why must managers have a thorough understanding of HRM systems, practices, and policies?

Answer 2

Because managers are responsible for implementing HRM systems, practices, and policies, and ensuring employee performance and development align with organizational goals.

Question 3

Who is responsible for making an organization successful?

Answer 3

Managers and employees are ultimately responsible for an organization’s success, with HR professionals coordinating related programs and policies.

Question 4

What is the manager’s role in enhancing an organization’s talent or “intellectual capital”?

Answer 4

Managers directly interact with employees, guide their development, and identify skill gaps to improve performance and foster growth.

Question 5

How do managers and HR professionals collaborate in HRM?

Answer 5

Managers rely on HR professionals to provide the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to effectively implement HRM systems, practices, and policies.

Question 6

Why are all managers considered “people managers”?

Answer 6

Because they are responsible for leading, developing, and motivating employees, regardless of whether they are HR professionals.

Question 7

What is the primary role of HR professionals in an organization?

Answer 7

To equip managers with the best people practices to help the organization succeed.

Question 8

What key skills are required for HR professionals?

Answer 8

Sound business knowledge, good problem-solving and influence skills, and personal credibility (trust and relationship-building abilities).

Question 9

How do HR professionals act as employee advocates?

Answer 9

By listening to employee concerns and ensuring the organization is aware of and addressing those concerns.

Question 10

What are some key service activities provided by HR professionals?

Answer 10

Recruiting, training, policy formulation, and implementation in areas like workplace harassment, healthy work environments, and change management.

Question 11

How do HR professionals collaborate with managers in recruitment?

Answer 11

HR professionals develop recruitment approaches, create interview questions, and may assist in interviews, while managers select the best candidate.

Question 12

According to Dave Ulrich, what is the ultimate goal of HR professionals?

Answer 12

To create value for the organization by integrating business skills, HR skills, and change management skills to build a competitive advantage through people.

Question 13

How can HR professionals use metrics to benefit the organization?

Answer 13

By providing data on recruitment efficiency, absenteeism, turnover, and workplace injuries to identify areas for improvement and inform decision-making.

Question 14

What is the importance of HR metrics?

Answer 14

They uncover useful insights for making informed business decisions, such as identifying effective practices and areas needing improvement.

Question 15

What is the role of managers in managing people within an organization?

Answer 15

Managing people is every manager’s responsibility, and successful organizations ensure their managers understand and apply good HRM practices.

Question 16

How should proactive managers involve HR professionals?

Answer 16

Proactive managers involve HR professionals when needed, recognizing that HR provides expertise and support but does not dictate what managers must do.

Question 17

What is the responsibility of managers in organizations without an HR unit?

Answer 17

Managers are still responsible for effective HRM practices, even without an HR unit, ensuring the organization manages people effectively.

Question 18

What is the role of HR in top-management planning in organizations with an HR unit?

Answer 18

HR managers take on a strategic role, contributing to top-management planning and aligning HR processes and practices with business objectives.

Question 19

At what point do organizations often decide to hire an HR professional?

Answer 19

Organizations typically consider hiring an HR professional when they grow to 75–100 employees, although smaller organizations may retain independent HR practitioners.

Question 20

What is required for HR to be seen as a key part of the business?

Answer 20

HR must have a solid understanding of the business, align its processes and practices with organizational goals, and take a strategic role alongside other leaders.

Question 21

How do smaller organizations with fewer than 75 employees typically manage HR?

Answer 21

Smaller organizations often retain an independent HR practitioner, with limited interaction between managers and the HR expert.