Chapter 1

Introduction to
Human Resource
Management

After studying this chapter, you should be

able to:

1. Explain what human resource management is

and how it relates to the management process.
2. Give at least eight examples of how all
managers can use human resource
management concepts and techniques.
3. Illustrate the human resources responsibilities of
line and staff (HR) managers.
4. Provide a good example that illustrates HRs
role in formulating and executing company
strategy.

Human resources: meaning

Human resources means the collection of people
and their characteristics at work. These are
distinct and unique to an organization in several
ways.

Why and how human resources

(HR) are superior to physical
resources
HR alone appreciates over a period.
HR achieves in higher performance output
than its actual input.
HR brings value to all other assets.
Operational flexibility is possible with HR.

Human resource management:

meaning
Human resource management is concerned with
policies and practices that ensure the best use of
the human resources for fulfilling the
organizational and individual goals.

Functions of human
resource management

Operative functions of HRM

Scope of human resource

management
Personnel or labour aspect deals with HR
planning, recruitment, selection, placement,
training and development, remuneration, etc.
Welfare aspect deals with working conditions and
amenities such as canteen, rest-rooms, etc.
Industrial relations aspect deals with union
management relations like collective bargaining,
grievance and disciplinary actions, etc.

Qualities of an HR manager

Knowledge
Intelligence
Communication skills
Objectivity and fairness
Leadership and motivational qualities
Emotional maturity and
Empathy

The future role of HRM

Change in the nature of work.

Widening scope of HR activities.
Greater emphasis on HRIS.
Change in labour market conditions.
Increasing importance of high performance work
systems (HPWS).
Growing need for measurement tools to evaluate
HR programmes.

Case Study
Maxine Vincent- New HR manager of Developmental
Technologies- which was earlier part of the long distance
service provider company
Earlier she was assistant to the Vice President of HR
New company have less resources
They need to outsource certain HR functions
What HR functions can be outsourced?
What should be Maxines role as a strategic partner?

 STRATEGIC ROLE OF HR
FUNCTION

 As a result of globalization and liberalization,

HRM has acquired strategic importance in
organization Discuss.