Question

The different interpretations which were given for Human Resource Management produced two Schools of Thoughts – the Soft and the Hard Versions. They are considered as two main models of HRM. The soft version focuses on human’s side and the hard part on the job. One of the first explicit statements of the Human Resource Management concept was framed by the Michigan School of Thought under the leadership of Fombrun et al in 1984. The model was also known as the “Matching model”. This model also shows that there is a tight fit between the organization strategy, the organization structure and the Human Resource Management system. Fombrum et al have argued that in this model the practices of HRM is made up of the human resource cycle comprising of 4 generic processes that need to be performed in mostly all organisations. They are: (1) Selection, (2) Appraisal, (3) Rewards, (4) Development. Considering these four processes, describe clearly with examples how they are implemented and managed in organisations to justify that they are making full-use of HRM activities for their success and competitiveness. Substantiate your descriptions with examples. You can refer to any existing enterprise. (30 marks)

Answer 1

Matching model has four generic process -

1-) Selection

2-) Appraisal

3-) Rewards

4-) Development

Selection- Selection is basically selecting the best candidate for a job amongst the other candidates . Different companies has different procedures to select a individual or a group of individuals. It can be done internally or externally. For example hiring a manager - a manager could be hired from outside who has the relevant experience and us suitable for the role or an internal promotion can be given . The main motive of any Selection process is to hire the best and eliminating any errors of hiring the wrong candidate. Selection can be managed by company's in-house HR officers or it can be outsourced through any agency where they will do the work and company can focus on its goals and targets.

It is very essential that the suitable candidates join the company because the growth of the company and sustainability depends on their hands. If the Employees of the company are committed , they will have a Competetive edge in the industry. For this Organisations spends hundred of thousands of dollars for acquiring the best talent. For example they go the best schools , have professionals take interviews etc.

Appraisal - An appraisal is also called performance management where Employees can sit with their managers and discuss their performance at work and their Carrer plans. This is very necessary in every organisation as Employees has to be given feedback about their Quality of work irrespective of whether its good or bad. If its good , they are given appreciation and if its bad they are given proper feedback of how to improve.

In many companies a target or benchmark is fixed where if an employee achieves that it means that his/her performance is up to the mark and if not then it means , something is missing. It helps in apprasing an employee to provide proper communication. Companies like McDonald's , pizza hut has weekly appraisal about their Quality of work which is delivered so that they can be alert and Company also can stay in track

Rewards

Rewards means that providing something in return for achieving a target or doing something good in an organisation. It is very important for companies to be successful as company cannot thrive if its Employees are not happy. So if a company is doing good, it is because of its Employees and they should be rewarded time to time

Companies rewards their Employees regularly in many ways for example providing some incentives, giving any gifts , having a loyalty program yearly on achieving a target etc. This instills healthy competition among employees to work hard.

Development

Human resource management is all about developing an individual to take prompt decisions and to improve an individual's overall personality . This is done by HR people through various ways like sending people to professional seminars , engaging them into quality circles , fun get together so that an employee can be developed with a sense of responsibility and also have a positive attitude.