Intro To business Unit #8

How has the role of HR management changed and evolved?

As employee needs have changed, managers have had to re evaluate how they go about their managing processes.

What is compliance?

Businesses must obey many different laws and regulations. These vary based on the size of the company, where it's located, what industry it's in, etc. Human resources management makes sure the company is following the laws—this is known as compliance.

Give one example of a compliance issue that HR managers are involved in.

Interviewing employees, making sure they are not asking personal questions.

job description

explanation of the responsibilities and tasks associated with a specific job.

Why are human resources important to business effectiveness?

All of a business's other resources are useless without humans to control them. That's why having the right human resources in place is so important. All human resources make an impact on a business—whether that impact is positive or negative. A good employee in a certain job position can boost a company's productivity, help create profit, and contribute to a pleasant working environment. The wrong employee in that same position may not only cause a company to miss out on these benefits but can also create negative results in their place. HR management exists to make sure that every employee in the company is available, knowledgeable, productive, and satisfied.

Why do HR managers conduct exit interviews?

Exit interviews are discussions with employees who are leaving that are designed to gain feedback for the business. Exit interviews aim to gauge employee attitudes about a company, gain constructive suggestions for improvement, and gather further understanding about employee turnover.

List at least two ways HR managers recruit potential employees.

HR managers have many different methods for recruitment, and they will choose the ones that are most appropriate to their industry and the position(s) available. Some examples include being present at job fairs, seeking recommendations from current employees or customers, placing a classified ad in the newspaper or on an Internet job board, and partnering with outside employment agencies.

What role does HR management play in training and development?

Human resources management ensures that employees are knowledgeable and productive by overseeing training and professional development programs for the company. Every business has different training needs, and HR managers' first task is to determine what they are. Next, HR managers determine what resources are available for training and development. They decide what materials are needed. In some cases, it may be possible to select and purchase appropriate training materials; in other cases, however, HR managers must work with others in the company to develop training materials specific to the business. Another aspect of training and development is performance management and improvement. HR management may develop a company-wide evaluation system, keep records for personnel files, and assist supervisors with performance reviews. When necessary, HR managers will also be involved in disciplinary issues.

Explain the role of HR management as both a department and a function of business.

Human resources management is a function of business, as well as a department. In other words, bigger companies may have a great number of employees dedicated solely to managing human resources, but even in small businesses without an official "HR department" this important function still remains (and is most likely managed by the owner). And, even in big companies, human resources management is not contained solely within the HR department—supervisors and managers across the organization also take some part in managing human resources, although their level of involvement varies from business to business.

What role does HR management play in employee relations?

Human resources management makes sure employee relationships remain positive and productive. One way of doing this is by handling complaints and mediating conflicts. Sometimes, disputes arise between coworkers or between an employee and a manager. When this happens, an HR representative can act as a mediator to resolve the conflict in a way that satisfies both parties. HR representatives also listen to employee grievances, keep records of them, and work to find appropriate solutions. Maintaining good employee relations may also involve certain assistance programs, such as helping with short-term housing needs for new or transferring employees, organizing car pools, or assisting employees with career and educational planning and decisions. HR management is also involved in labor-union relations at companies where unions are present. HR managers may help negotiate labor contracts and deal with any related issues or problems.

What role does HR management play in employees' compensation and benefits?

Human resources management oversees compensation and benefits for all employees. HR managers help their companies develop benefits plans by analyzing how much each benefit costs and what the company can reasonably afford. HR managers are responsible for determining eligibility and costs. They may spend a great deal of time working with benefits carriers, such as insurance providers, to find the best deal for the company and its employees. They are also in charge of keeping track of what benefits each employee qualifies for or has chosen (if employees are given choices between plans).

Describe HR management's responsibility in on-boarding activities.

Human resources management's involvement in staffing doesn't end when candidates are hired. There are still several on-boarding activities to complete, such as employee orientation and various types of paperwork (insurance, tax-withholding, direct deposit, citizenship information, etc.). Orientation varies from business to business. It may involve giving the employee a tour of the facilities and making introductions, giving the employee information about company procedures and policies, and familiarizing the employee with his/her new work space and equipment. On-the-job training will begin at this time as well, usually overseen by the employee's new manager in cooperation with HR.

What is recruiting?

Part of staffing that.... requires seeking out and attracting qualified potential employees.

Describe the HR management activity of staffing.

Staffing is a human resources management activity that ensures the company has available, appropriate, productive employees in each needed job position. It may involve tasks such as: Determining need Determining job descriptions and specifications Recruiting Screening and selecting applicants to interview Interviewing Administering skill and aptitude tests Conducting background and reference checks Extending and negotiating job offers Overseeing on-boarding activities Administering job changes Conducting exit interviews

What is an HR manager's first task when it comes to staffing?

Staffing starts with determining need. Where is the company lacking the human resources it needs? Has an employee recently retired or transferred to another position? Has top management created an entirely new position? It's HR management's responsibility to stay on top of these issues. HR managers must also determine if the staffing needs are permanent or temporary, full time or part time.

What is the role of HR management in strategic management?

Today, HR executives play vital roles when it comes to a business's strategic management. They're often found at the same meeting table with the company's CEO, board members, and other top-tier managers. HR managers can provide valuable insight into important company decisions, such as organizational restructuring (mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, etc.) and budgeting. Strategic plans are made for the company's long-range future. Organizations must work now to ensure they'll have the human resources they'll need tomorrow. Strategic planning is incomplete without taking HR into account. HR management can also help a business gain a long-term competitive advantage over the rest of the industry. Well-managed human resources enhance organizational performance and often determine whether a company is good or great.

job specification

explanation of the skills, knowledge, and characteristics required for the job.

What are human resources?

people who work to produce goods and services, and they are invaluable to a company.

What is human resources management?

process of planning, staffing, leading, and organizing a company's employees.