Human Resource Strategies

Question 1

Define human resources

Answer 1

Is the strategic process of the most efficient use of an organisations employees

Question 2

What is horizontal matching

Answer 2

Each individual policy adopted in the management of people such as recruitment, training and payment systems, should fit with every other policy used

Question 3

What is vertical matching

Answer 3

Employees are organised to ensure that the goals of organisation are met

Question 4

What are hr objectives

Answer 4

1. Matching workforce skills and the size and location of the workforce to the requirements of the business
2. Minimising labour costs
3. Making full use of the workforces potential
4. Maintaining good employee/employer relations

Question 5

What are the internal factors influencing he objectives

Answer 5

1. Financial
2. Corporate
3. Organisational
4. Trade unions
5. New technology
6. Overall performance

Question 6

What are the external factors influencing hr objectives

Answer 6

1. Political
2. Economic
3. Social
4. Technological
5. Legislation
6. Action of competitors
7. Structure of the population

Question 7

What are hard hr strategy

Answer 7

1. Treat staff as another resource, like raw materials
2. Need to be monitored
3. Used efficiently
4. Cost controlled
5. Autocratic control
6. Centralised organisation

Question 8

What are soft hr strategy

Answer 8

1. See staff as an asset to be developed

2. Will have a demographic style of leadership - having an input and say

Question 9

Which hr strategy?

Answer 9

Depends upon;

1. Culture of the organisation
2. History of the organisation
3. Approach by management
4. Attitude by management
5. Management style
6. Relationship with the recognised trade union
7. Skills and attitude of staff
8. Level of participation in decision making

Question 10

Analysis of hr strategy

Answer 10

1. Explaining why a specific business may adopt certain hr objective
2. Examining the main external and internal influences on the hr objectives selected by a business
3. Analysing the strengths and weaknesses of “hard” or a “soft” hr strategy

Question 11

Evaluation

Answer 11

1. Arguing the case for and against using a particular hr strategy
2. Judging the most important influence on a business hr objectives
3. Assessing why a business might adopt a “hard” or “soft” hr strategy