16: Understanding HR objectives and strategies

Question 1

Human resource management (HRM):

Answer 1

Making the best use of all employees to achieve corporate goals.

Question 2

HR objectives:

Answer 2

Targets the HR management hopes to achieve by implementing HR strategies, so that the business can achieve its corporate objectives.

Question 3

‘Soft’ HR management:

Answer 3

Concerned with communication and motivation. People are led rather than managed. They are involved in determining and realising strategic objectives.

Question 4

‘Hard’ HR management:

Answer 4

Emphasises costs and places control firmly in the hands of management. Their role is to manage numbers effectively, keeping the workforce closely matched with requirements in terms of both bodies and behaviour.