6.1 - Human resource objectives

Question 1

State some examples of Human resource objectives.

Answer 1

Employee engagement.
Talent development.
Training.
Diversity.
Aligning values.
Location and skills.

Question 2

Whats the difference between hard and soft human resource management?

Answer 2

Hard HR is where employees are seen simply as a resource to be used.
Hard HR is where employees are not trusted and will be closely supervised, with little training given.

Soft HR is where employees are recognised as the most important resource within the business.
Soft HR is where employees are trusted and given opportunities to develop.

Question 3

Advantages and disadvantages of hard HR?

Answer 3

Advantage:
Hard HR allows managers to retain full control of employees.

Disadvantage:
Hard HR does not allow employees to contribute their full potential to the business.

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of soft HR?

Answer 4

Advantages:
Soft HR empowers employees which can increase production and efficiency.

Disadvantages:
Soft HR gives employees more freedom so mistakes may occur if employees make poor decisions.

Question 5

Internal and external influences on HR.

Answer 5

Internal:
Objectives of the business will influence the choice of human resources objectives as objectives at a functional or departmental level must support the overall business.

Availability of internal funding can influence the choice of human resources objectives as this may determine how many vacancies are advertised.

Objectives of the other business functions will influence the choice of human resources objectives. For example, if the operational objectives are focused on flexibility and require the recruitment of additional temporary staff for the festive period, the human resources department will need to support this by focussing on recruitment.

External:
Legal considerations influence the choice of human resources objectives as HR departments will have to comply with laws around recruitment and employment.

Technological advancements influence the choice of human resources objectives. For example, developments in technology may require HR to organise training on new technologies used in the business.

Ethical considerations influence the choice of human resources objectives as HR departments may need to consider whether to pay the National Minimum Wage, or whether to use zero-hours contracts.