Chapter 1 - The Strategic Role of Human Resources Management

Question 1

The management of people in organizations to drive successful organizational performance and achievement of organization’s strategic goals

Answer 1

Human Resource Management (HRM)

Question 2

The knowledge, education, training, skills, and expertise of an organization’s workforce

Answer 2

Human Capital

Question 3

Concern for production;

scientifically analyzing manufacturing processes to reduce costs and compensating employees based on performance

Answer 3

Scientific Management

Question 4

Concern for people and productivity

Answer 4

Human Resources Movement

Question 5

Personnel administration;

hiring, firing, payroll/benefits processing

Answer 5

Phase 1 - early 1900’s

Question 6

Union liaison, compliance with new laws;

orientation, performance appraisal, employee relations

Answer 6

Phase 2 – 1930’s to 1950’s

Question 7

Human resources management;
outsourcing of many administrative functions;
emphasis on contribution and proactive management of people

Answer 7

Phase 3 – 1960’s to 1980’s

Question 8

Every line manager must possess basic HR skills;
help achieve strategic objectives;
new roles: activist, change steward, talent manager/organizational designer, operational executor and business ally

Answer 8

Phase 4 – 1990’s to present

Question 9

Using best available evidence in making decisions about HR practices;
Actual measurements, existing data, research studies

Answer 9

Evidence-based HRM

Question 10

Focused on activity and cost
for example:
number of candidates interviewed
cost per hire

Answer 10

Traditional Measures

Question 11

A measurement system that translates organization’s strategy into a comprehensive set of financial and operational performance measures

Answer 11

Balanced scorecard

Question 12

Employment levels;
productivity levels;
growth of the primary, secondary, and tertiary (service) sectors

Answer 12

Economic Conditions

Question 13

Increasing workforce diversity: visible and ethnic minorities; women; Aboriginal population; people with disabilities

Answer 13

Labour Market Issues

Question 14

(pre-1946); Grew up in an era of hardship, including a war and the Great Depression; Values include Loyalty, Respect for Authority, Dedication, Sacrifice, Conformity; Key Characteristics: Compliant, Detail oriented, Hard working, Frugal, Trust worthy, Risk averse, Long term focused

Answer 14

Traditionalists

Question 15

(1946 to 1964); The largest group in the workforce. Grew up in a time of major optimism and change amidst the moon landing and women’s movement; Values include: Optimism, involvement, team oriented, personal growth and gratification, youthfulness, etc.; Key Characteristics: Driven to succeed, team player, relationship focused, eager to add value, politically savvy and competitive

Answer 15

Baby Boomers

Question 16

(1965 to 1980) This group grew up as divorce rates skyrocketed. First technology liberate generation; Values include: Independence, self-reliance, pragmatism, skepticism, informality and balance; Key Characteristics: Flexible and adaptable, creative, entrepreneurial, multitasker,
results driven, and individualistic

Answer 16

Generation X

Question 17

(1981 to 2000) Beginning to enter the workforce. Expect to change jobs frequently; Values include: Confidence, diversity, civic duty, optimism, immediate access to info and services; Key characteristics: Collective action, expressive and tolerant of differences, eager to accept challenges, innovative and creative

Answer 17

Generation Y

Question 18

Higher overall level of education, however higher level of functional illiteracy;
Increased non-standard or contingent workers
part-time
term/temporary/standby
home
self-employed

Answer 18

Labour Market Issues

Question 19

New technologies: Twitter, Facebook, videoconferencing;
Concerns over data control, accuracy, right to privacy, and ethics;
Computerized monitoring of e-mail, voice mail, telephone conversations, computer usage, and behaviour

Answer 19

Technology

Question 20

Ensure policies and practices comply with new and changing laws covering: 
Human rights
Employment standards
Labour relations
Occupational health and safety
Workers’ compensation

Answer 20

Government

Question 21

Global trends:
Firms extend business operations abroad;
Emergence of a single global market;
Increased international competition;
Multinational corporations: conduct business around the world, seek cheap skilled labour

Answer 21

Globalization

Question 22

Topics of increasing importance:
Sustainability
Climate change
Global warming
Pollution
Carbon footprints
Extinction of wildlife species
Ecosystem fragility

Answer 22

Environmental Concerns

Question 23

Core values, beliefs and assumptions;
often conveyed through an organization’s mission statement;
positive culture is desired

Answer 23

Organizational Culture

Question 24

Prevailing atmosphere in an organization;
Friendly/unfriendly, open/secretive, rigid/flexible, innovative/stagnant;
Influenced by leadership, HR polices, communication style

Answer 24

Organizational Climate

Question 25

Bureaucratic organizations being replaced with flatter structures;
Increased employee empowerment

Answer 25

Management Practices