9609 · 2.1.1
Purpose and roles of HRM flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9609 Purpose and roles of HRM (syllabus 2.1.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is the core purpose of Human Resource Management (HRM)?
To manage an organisation's employees effectively to achieve its strategic objectives. This involves ensuring the business has the right people with the right skills in the right roles at the right time.
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What is Strategic HRM (SHRM)?
An approach where HR policies and practices are fully integrated with the overall corporate strategy to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage through people. It is proactive and long-term focused.
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How can HRM support the business objective of improving product quality?
By implementing rigorous selection processes to hire skilled staff, providing comprehensive quality-focused training (e.g., TQM), and designing reward systems that recognise and incentivise high-quality output.
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Differentiate between recruitment and selection.
Recruitment is the process of attracting a pool of suitable applicants for a job vacancy. Selection is the process of choosing the best candidate from that pool through methods like interviews, tests, and assessment centres.
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Define 'workforce planning'.
A key HRM function that involves forecasting the future demand for and supply of labour, allowing the business to anticipate and manage potential staff shortages or surpluses to meet its objectives.
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Distinguish between 'hard' and 'soft' HRM.
Hard HRM treats employees as a resource or cost to be managed efficiently (e.g., flexible contracts, minimal training). Soft HRM views employees as valuable assets to be developed and motivated for long-term gain (e.g., investment in training, empowerment).
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How does HRM contribute to a business's legal compliance?
HRM ensures the business adheres to all employment laws regarding contracts, discrimination, health and safety, working hours, and dismissal procedures, thus avoiding fines and legal action.
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What is the role of HRM in employee relations?
HRM manages the relationship between management and employees, handling grievances, disciplinary matters, and negotiations with trade unions to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
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Purpose of HRM?
Acquire, develop, and retain a workforce to meet business objectives efficiently and legally.
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HRM vs personnel management?
HRM is strategic and integrated with business goals; personnel was often administrative/payroll focused.
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Four main HRM functions?
Workforce planning, recruitment/selection, training/development, relations/motivation/welfare.
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Link to 2.2 motivation?
HRM designs reward and job design to motivate (Topic 2.2).
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Link to operations?
HR supplies skilled labour for production and customer service (4.1).