Role of Human Resource Management

Question 1

What is the strategic role of human resource management?

Answer 1

Refers to the process of managing staff within an organisation

It aim is for employer and employee to work together to achieve business objectives and the needs of its staff

Involves the process of recruitment, training, maintenance and separation

By adopting a strategic approach to human resources, businesses should be able to build better relationships with employees while achieving their goals

Worldwide, McDonald’s directly employs over 250,000 people

Including those employed by franchisers, there are about 2.2 million people working for the company

Question 2

What is the interdependence of human resources with other key business functions?

Answer 2

Human resources must recruit staff with the relevant skills and experience necessary to produce operations’ product

Staff are the public face of the business, and are key to marketing because their actions are a determinant in whether customers will return

Budgets must be allocated towards training, maintenance and separation

Question 3

What is the difference between an employee and a contractor?

Answer 3

The law regards an employee to be a person subject to a contract of service

This exists when an employee offers their services to an organisation on a regular basis and is subject to the lawful control and authority of the employer

A contract for service exists where employment is not ongoing and an agreed fee is paid to an independent contractor for services in a fixed period

A contractor is beneficial because they have access to skilled workers, use recruitment companies and have a quicker recruitment process

Question 4

How does McDonald’s use outsourcing?

Answer 4

McDonald’s outsources a number of key human resource functions, using a company called SafetyWorks to help comply with workplace health and safety standards

Locally, McDonald’s franchises can outsource functions like payroll to third parties (a specialist company ensures employees are paid accurately, securely and on time)

Workstar is an e-learning company contracted by McDonald’s to facilitate recruitment through online job applications, induction, and basic training

The training courses are highly ‘gamified’, with participants earning points as they progress, and thus earning increased motivation (average return 8 times)

Outsourcing to Workstar makes use of its industry expertise and technology