An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company

An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company Order Instructions: Please make sure that all the referencing are in Harvard style, and follow the following instructions please:

An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company
An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company

In the Talent Development module, you wrote an ‘open letter’ to your manager making suggestions as to how your organization could take advantage of talent development.

This final PDP Assignment follows a similar notion. You are now required to write an ‘open letter’ (of approximately 830 words) to the CEO of your organisation (or an organisation to which you are familiar) making suggestions as to how they should enhance an aspect of their existing HR policies.

In this final week’s PDP Assignment, you will reflect upon how you can apply what you have learned in this module relating to HR policy development.

In completing the ‘open letter’ to your organisation’s CEO, consider:

• What aspects of the HR policies should be updated?
• Why should this be updated?
• What are the important considerations when updating the policy?
• What have you learned from this module that can inform this work?

An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company Sample Answer

An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company

Dear CEO

In full consideration of the urgency of the organization in developing policies that enhance the functions of HRM in order to take advantage of talent development, we, the undersigned, request the company to:

  1. Consider some of the aspects of HR policies that need to be updated
  2. Establish the reasons why these policies should be updated.
  3. Consider some of the essential attributes that need to be considered when updating these policies.
  4. The inclusion of learned information in informing this approach.

One of the essential things to understand is the need for Apple to ensure that it’s HR policies are dynamic and not static. This approach requires the company’s human resource managers to revise these policies and add to some of the areas that need amends to address the organization’s goals and missions, as well as the ever changing trends of the workforce, legislation and economic considerations (Arthur, Herdman, & Jaewan, 2016, pp.420). Apple Inc consequently needs to ensure that it updates HP policies on its data security in order to effectively manage the functions of the organization.

Considered as the first generation that integrates the proponents of technology in life, generation Y has resorted to natural abilities and skills in technology directed towards improving the efficiency of this organization. However, the ever changing phase of the world as a result of technological evolution has brought new changes within this organization, thus requiring the organization to ensure that its organizational data is protected from cyber-attacks or loss (Diamond& Hamilton, 2016, pp.6). This approach will ensure that the organization’s HR policies are enhanced to deal with data breaches, and the mismanagement of the company’s important information. This approach will ensure that the HRM reviews the current data protection policies that may have changed as a result of practice and conducting background checks on its employees and ensuring that their performance and discipline is closely monitored throughout their period of employment.

Secondly, Apple Inc would need to ensure that it’s HR policies that address its employee’s dress code are also revised. The company’s client’s first impression is vitally made by its employee’s appearance. The manner in which Apple’s employees present themselves sets the tone that makes or breaks decisions within the organization (Creelman, 2015, pp.17). During cold weather, the employees may be prompted to wear warm clothes that need to be clearly defined in Apples HR policies. In as much as the company may promote these attires, other employees may set their own individual standards by putting on inappropriate cloths, with this element efficiently defined in the Apple’s  HR policy.

Lastly, Apple may also consider revising its HR policies directed towards addressing the issues the organization encounters during recession. In as much as the organization may emerge from the effects of the recession, it is significant for the HRM to understand the recession results in massive grievances and disciplinary issues among its employees, an aspect that requires the update of Apple’s HR policies (Ruddle, 2016, pp.5). This will ensure that the organization is in compliance with the termination processes and other elements.

It is consequently essential to establish that Apple’s approach in having HR policy’s may not cover it completely, thus requiring the organization to ensure that it puts efforts in raising the employee’s awareness for its policies and that these policies are reviewed frequently. A review of HR policies may be attributed to the ever changing laws and regulations (Guest, & Woodrow, 2012, pp.110). This requires the organization to establish some of the areas that are irrelevant and rewrite the sections. Apple will ensure that copies of these policies are redistributed to the employees. The employees will then be required to append their signatures in acknowledging they are in full agreement with the updates in the policies.

To ensure that these policies are fully updated within Apple, the acquisition of the organizations management’s support in the process, especially in cases where the policies define the employee’s behaviors remains essential.  The endorsement of the revised policies by the senior management will give the employees the gist to take these policies seriously (Ladge, et.al.2015, pp. 160). In addition to this, the inclusion of the staff members in the process would result in a greater understanding and awareness in updating these policies. The staff members will be in a position to establish their views and suggestions in regards to these policies in order to address the unintentional outcomes of these policies upon implementation.

In this case, it is significant to establish that some of the elements learned in this module would be effective in achieving this goal within this organization. One of the essential elements that I learned and that can impact the functions of Apple include the need to revise these policies by first establishing the priorities of the organization that are consequently split to determine the amount of time  since these policies were reviewed (Armstrong, 2014, pp.30). Once this process is achieved, the HRM needs to assist the managers within the organization in implementing these policies and effectively communicating them to the employees. Apple should therefore initiate efforts as detailed in this letter in order to effectively enhance its HR policies that impact its functions.

Respectfully

Name:

Signature:

An Open Letter to the CEO of Apple Company References

Armstrong, M. 2014, ‘Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice’, 13th ed. London: Kogan Page.pp.12-45, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Retrived From:http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=280321&site=ehost-live

Arthur, J, Herdman, A, & Jaewan, Y 2016, ‘How Top Management Hr Beliefs And Values Affect High-Performance Work System Adoption And Implementation Effectiveness’, Human Resource Management, 55, 3, pp. 413-435, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=115746382&site=ehost-live

Creelman, D 2015, ‘HR in the Middle (Hot) Seat: Implementing the Right Talent Management System’, Workforce Solutions Review, 6, 5, pp. 15-18, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=111478873&site=ehost-live

Diamond, T, & Hamilton, P 2016, ‘6 issues to consider when updating your employee handbook’, HR Specialist: Pennsylvania Employment Law, 11, 5, p. 6, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 July 2016. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=114920249&site=ehost-live

Guest, D.E. & Woodrow, C. 2012, ‘Exploring the boundaries of human resource managers’ responsibilities’, Journal of Business Ethics, 111 (1), pp.109-119. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=67168757&site=ehost-live

Ladge, J, Humberd, B, Baskerville Watkins, M, & Harrington, B 2015, ‘Updating The Organization Man: An Examination Of Involved Fathering In The Workplace’, Academy Of Management Perspectives, 29, 1, pp. 152-171, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 July 2016. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=101960643&site=ehost-live

Ruddle, I 2016, ‘Understanding the New HR Services Operating Models’, Workforce Solutions Review, 7, 1, pp. 4-7, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 July 2016. Retrived From: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=115176941&site=ehost-live

Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative

Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative Order Instructions:  Talk to an HR representative at your company. If your company does not have an HR representative, talk to a friend or family member who works in HR.

Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative
Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative

Find out and record the answers to the questions below. After recording the responses received, provide a paragraph summarizing your thoughts concerning the information you learned and your thoughts relative to how that HR representative might improve upon his/her knowledge in the field (do not share your thoughts with that HR representative). This assignment should be at least two double-spaced pages in length.

Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative Sample Answer

The unit I Scholarly Activity: HR representative

Question 1

As the Human Resources representative pointed out, she obtained an Associates’ Degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) at a recognized university in South Carolina and using that knowledge, she is able to perform her tasks effectively and satisfactorily. With an Associates’ Degree in HRM, the HR professional properly carries out various HR tasks in the company including managing the company’s HR department, interacting with the top leaders, and building strong employee relations (Guest & Woodrow, 2012). On the whole, she is important in strengthening the employee-employer relationship.

Question 2

The HR representative has been trained on quite a few statuses such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Title VII. She has not obtained formal training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The FMLA has outlawed employment discrimination against staff members with illnesses, and parents and women who are pregnant. Title VII has outlawed discrimination in the place of work because of the employee’s ethnicity, skin color, faith and religious belief, country of origin, and gender. ADEA is aimed at protecting workers or job applicants who are aged at least 40 years.

Question 3

The HR representative mostly deals with the Title VII statute. She mentioned that over the past 6 months alone, she has been accused three times of gender discrimination considering that most of the people she hires at the company are women. At the moment, the ratio of male employees to female employees is about 1:3. Having gender balance in the place of work is important to ensure gender diversity (Guest & Woodrow, 2012). This issue was resolved by increasing the number of male workers at the company.

Question 4

The most challenging problem with staffs that have been handled by the HR representative pertaining to one of the statutes is when she dealt with an issue relating to an employee who was expecting. The HR representative fired one worker after she became pregnant, which is in violation of the FMLA regulation.

Question 5

The employee relations matter that has been tackled by the HR representative most frequently is employee hygiene problems that could not be ignored anymore. The HR representative stated that some employees come to work with body odor that is offensive. Another employee has an issue with oral odor as his dental hygiene is poor.

Question 6

The Human Resources representative of the company interacts with external legal counsel comprising lawyers who are hired to represent the company. The company does not have an in-house legal counsel. This team of lawyers is always ready to defend the firm in the event that the company gets sued or a legal action filed against it. In addition, they give legal advice on a wide range of matters that affect the company.

Question 7

When resolving matters concerning staff members, three techniques of dispute resolution are used. These are (i) an arbitrated outcome – using this dispute resolution method, a court will determine how that row would be solved prior to making the ultimate decision on the matter. (ii) A negotiated outcome – this dispute resolution mechanism basically occurs when the individuals who are in dispute decide to simply sort out the issue by themselves without involving others. (iii) Mediated outcome – this is where the parties in the dispute seek help from an independent mediator that will help the concerned parties reach their own agreement. For a new Human Resources professional, advice to her as regards how to handle her new functions is to be conversant in all relevant laws and statutes relating to human resource management and to perform all her functions satisfactorily.

Summary of thoughts about the obtained information

The information gathered from talking with the human resource representative demonstrates that this professional is actually a very skilled, competent and capable HR personnel who is knowledgeable about various human resources roles and tasks including overseeing the functions of the department and managing staff members (Guest & Woodrow, 2012). Nonetheless, the area where she needs to improve on is her training and knowledge of ADA. It is important that she gets formal training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has actually outlawed job discrimination against qualified but disabled people. She should also be very well familiar with FMLA and never fire an employee again because of pregnancy.

Scholarly Activity Human Resource Representative References

Guest, D., & Woodrow, C. (2012). Exploring the Boundaries of Human Resource Managers’ Responsibilities. Journal Of Business Ethics, 111(1), 109-119. doi:10.1007/s10551-012-1438-8

Identified problem

High nurse turnover is one of the recurring problems especially within the emergency department affecting the general care of patients. Poor job satisfaction due to a poor working environment, this explains why the US has the highest nurse turnover at 60 percent per annum. Most nurses are leaving the profession due to lack of job satisfaction according to (Hayes et al, 2015).

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence Order Instructions: Evaluating HR policy for internal coherence

This week you will continue applying the knowledge gained in this module to a real organisation. This Individual Assignment builds on your first Individual Assignment asking you to now evaluate the internal coherence of your chosen organisation’s HR policies and practices and make recommendations for change.

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence
Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence

•Review Individual Assignment which sent be email before working on this paper.

•All the referencing MUST be in HARVARD STYLE.

•Further evaluate your chosen organisation’s HR policies and practices for their internal coherence.

•Critically evaluate the internal coherence of the organisation’s HR policies and practices.

•Recommend changes to specific aspects of HR policies and/or practices based on your analysis and provide a justification for each recommendation.

Thank you

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence Sample Answer

Business Strategy and HR Policies

Introduction

Tesco is considered one of the largest retail stores in the UK. In 2014, it was established that Tesco was operating its business functions in 12 countries, with up to 6,790 stores globally. In addition to this, it was established that the company employs 500,000 workers in its stores worldwide(Brand Finance, 2014, pp.64). Besides Tesco’s core business functions within the grocery sector, the organization has alternatively diversified to offer a broad range of products and services such as mobile and financial services.

The development of the brick and mortar business model enabled this organization to focus on HRM functions and efficient customer relationships to enhance its business operations. This paper, therefore, seeks to evaluate Tesco’s human resource policies and the manner in which they cohere with the organization’s strategies (Brand Finance, 2014, pp.65). Additionally, the paper will also establish recommendations on the specified areas that need to the inclusion of human resource policies and justify these recommendations.

Selected Company: Tesco Plc

Tesco Plc is considered as one of the oldest business establishments within the supermarket chain industry. The organization began its operations in 1919 and is currently the leader in the industry. However, in 1994, the company began operating in other markets apart from England such as Taiwan and South Korea and is intending to expand its operations in Central-Europe(Scuffham, 2014, pp.12). The success of Tesco wholly depends on its customers and the people who work in ensuring the customer’s needs are addressed when they visit the stores. Irrespective of the location of its stores, Tesco Plc has created value to ensure that its consumers know what can be expected from them.

In this case, it is essential to establish that Tesco functions in an environment that is purely based on the element of trust and respect, with the organization believing in satisfying the consumer’s needs since this remains Tesco’s single most initiative that has seen the organization achieve their customer’s loyalty (Scuffham, 2014, pp.13). Tesco also operates in a highly competitive market that has seen different consumers having the preference of shopping in groceries of their choice.  However, the success of Tesco is attributed to its successful business strategy, an aspect that has taken the organizations initiative in implementing.

An Evaluation of Tesco’s HR Policies and Practices

Tesco’s human resource strategy revolves around the simplification of work, the realization, and development of the employee’s skills, challenging the organization’s unwritten rules and performance management in achieving its goals. Some of Tesco HR practices and policies include:

Career Development and Training:

Tesco initiated an option development initiative that allows staff members to select engage in learning opportunities and different skills required in order to increase their productivity in the organization (Brannen, Moore, & Mughan, 2013, pp.287). This program is considered as a self-guided approach directed towards career development, an aspect that has seen several of the organization’s employees participate.

Employee Retention Strategies;

In order to develop a good relationship between the employees and the management of the company, Tesco resorted to retention strategies aimed at encouraging its employees to work in stores near their homes, an aspect that was established to reduce time workers spend in going to work. Alternatively, the employees of the organization are allowed to apply for transfers, an aspect that is considered essential in retaining the workforce (Brannen, et.al.2013, pp. 288).  Additionally, Tesco developed the work shift system with the aim of maximizing the potential of the employees to work for hours that suit their own schedules, thus allowing the employees to engage in other activities such as education and so on. The flexibility established in incorporating efficient working hours has proved to be essential in establishing a healthy working environment, an element that denotes the roles of HRM functions.

Employee Motivation Strategies

Tesco has also developed effective strategies aimed at motivating the employees who perform and meet their individual goals, an aspect that makes its employees feel valued (Brannen, et.al.2013, pp. 289). Through an approach that aims at increasing the employee’s self-worth, the organization has been in a position to increase its profits, an aspect that has seen the remuneration and compensation of these workers.

Tesco’s Business Strategies

In consideration of Tesco’s global reach, it is significant to establish that its HRM team is committed to establishing a viable HRM plan that employs the use of different strategies aimed at managing its employees.  This has seen the organization change its strategies in order to meet local variations and customs (Merkel, Jackson &Pick, 2012, pp.260).  Tesco’s human resource strategy involves the development of employees through training, the inclusion of rewards and benefits in order to achieve its targets and efficient consultation and communication.

The three-fold strategy of HRM has enabled the organization to achieve its goals, an aspect that has aided Tesco in recruiting and retaining a well-motivated workforce that has the capacity to make a professional appearance to Tesco’s customers (Merkel, Jackson &Pick, 2012, pp.260). The primary significant HRM strategy at Tesco is that of training and development, an aspect that enables the organization to train some of the graduates from leading institutions.  These recruits are therefore trained and introduced within the organization’s corporate culture.

Additionally, Tesco also has an options development program that allows employees to select and get equipped on skills to improve their performance within the organization (Merkel, et.al.2012, pp. 262). This is therefore considered as a self-guided approach aimed at developing the employee’s careers. Tesco has therefore expanded this program to ensure that its employees from different regions are trained in meeting the organization’s objectives.

On the other hand, the element of communication and consultation is also an integral element within Tesco’s business strategy. Through this, the organization is in a position to establish some of the challenges that the employees undergo within the company and address these issues (Merkel, et.al.2012, pp. 264). This approach of “bottom-up” approach of feedback is essential for a company that has a global presence, an aspect that requires the managers to use different approaches of communication to gain feedback from the employees that can be utilized in advancing the functions of the company.

HR Policies Aligned with Tesco’s Business Strategy

Career Development and Training:

Tesco takes consideration of employees, development and safety regulations, an aspect that justifies its approach directed toward career training and development. In meeting this goal, the organization trains its employees in professional development and disaster management, an aspect that is essential not only to the employees but to its clients as well. Tesco’s career development and training are therefore considered as strategic in the continuity of its growth and productivity, an aspect that has enabled the organization to retain its effective employees (Wood & McCarthy, 2014, pp.124). The organization has therefore aligned its workforce’s career goals with its strategic objectives, an aspect that helps it in achieving its organizational goals as well as that of its employees. This has alternatively enabled the organization to establish and address some of the gaps in training.

Initiating a career development plan for this organization’s employees enables the managers to address the existing gaps identified in training. The organization’s efforts aimed at addressing this issue enables the employees to gained knowledge, an aspect that improves their productivity and opens opportunities geared towards promoting the employees (Wood & McCarthy, 2014, pp.124). Employees are likely to feel engaged when the organization involves them and takes consideration of their well-being. Career development influences the entire organization by improving the employee’s morale, career satisfaction, motivation, productivity and responsiveness in meeting the organization’s objectives.

Employee Retention and Motivation Strategies

Tesco is additionally committed to motivating and retaining its staff members, an aspect that has progressed its activities and functions(Wood & McCarthy, 2014, pp.125).  The company’s dedicated workforces are considered as its foundation in achieving its business goals and objectives. In this case, the organization ensures that its employees are constantly motivated and are associated with the company’s vision, an aspect attributed to the organization’s consistency in achieving its high level of performance.

In as much as several employees perceive that the only approach they can be motivated is through the inclusion of financial rewards and incentives, Tesco developed efficient motivational approaches that include the establishment of hygienic working areas, the offering of holidays to the employees and reward schemes.

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence Recommendations

It is significant to establish that in order for Tesco to be competitive in a competitive market, there is a need to ensure that the organization adheres to sound strategies that are implemented within its functions. It is therefore essential that HRM is developed, identified, and its capacities strengthened in ensuring that the company’s workforce capacities are fully utilized within the organization(Tyrell, 2014, pp10). Tesco has a considerable amount of employees who are experienced, an aspect that would require the organization to use these capacities in training its new employees. Alternatively, Tesco needs to train its employees with the aim of increasing their experience and ensuring that they are updated in relation to their skills and competencies. Training, in this case, should be a continual element that increases the potential and competencies of the employees.

On the other hand, in establishing effective employee retention and motivational strategies, Tesco needs to comply with the existing regulations and laws in regards to the payment of staff salaries in compliance with the minimum wage laws.  The company is bound to benefit when it links its performance reward systems with the firm’s profits (Tyrell, 2014, pp10). This substantiates the fact that when the organization’s annual profits increase, an increase in the employees’ salaries should be considered and rewards offered to outstanding employees. This reward system will positively impact the functions of the company.

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence Conclusion

As established, the HRM function of Tesco plays a significant role in the achievement of the Tesco’s goals. Tesco’s human resource strategy revolves around the simplification of work, the realization, and development of the employee’s skills, challenging the organization’s unwritten rules and performance management in achieving its goals. In consideration of Tesco’s global reach, it is significant to establish that its HRM team is committed to establishing a viable HRM plan that employs the use of different strategies aimed at managing its employees.  Tesco, therefore, needs to ensure that the HRM functions are consistent and are directed towards enhancing the performance of its employees.

Evaluating HR Policy for Internal Coherence References List

Brand Finance 2014. “Global 500 2014: The world’s most valuable brand”. Available at: http://brandirectory.com/league_tables/table/global-500-2014 [accessed 7th July 2016].

Brannen, M.Y., Moore, F. and Mughan, T. 2013. “Strategic ethnography and reinvigorating Tesco plc: Leveraging inside/out bicultural bridging in multicultural teams. Ethnographic Praxis in Industry Conference Proceedings, London, September 16-18, pp. 282-299.

Merkel, J., Jackson, P. and Pick, D. 2012. “New challenges in retail human resource management”. In Krafft, M., and Mantrala, M.K. (eds) (2014). Retailing in the 21st century (2nd ed). Springer: Berlin, pp. 257-270.

Scuffham, M. 2014. “ Tesco takes on UK banks with current account launch”. Reuters [online]. Available at: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/09/uk-tesco-bank-account-idUKKBN0EK24H20140609 [accessed 7th July 2016].

Tyrell, J. 2014. “Introduction to socio-cultural influences”. In Mutum, D.S., Roy, S.K. and Kipnis, E. (eds) (2014). Marketing cases from emerging markets. Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 9-11.

Wood, S. and McCarthy, D. 2014. “The UK food retail ‘race for space’ and market saturation”: A contemporary review. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 24(2), 121-144

Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization

Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization Order Instructions: The strengths of a diverse workforce often relate to the notion of variety – that having access to diverse ideas and perspectives can enhance a business’ competitive advantage.

Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization
Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization

Yet the diverse individuals who hold those ideas and perspectives must work together cooperatively and collaboratively to pursue and achieve common goals. Therein lies one of the challenges of managing diversity and realizing its many benefits. For the essay, draw on the resources and your own experiences to analyze the role of HR policy in diversity management, and how HR policy can realize the opportunities and address the challenges of workplace diversity.

To complete this essay:

•Read the required files which sent by email.

•In approximately 550 words, identify the issues posed by a diverse workforce in an organization. Analyze the role of HR policy in anticipating and mitigating potential challenges, and promoting and maximizing specific advantages associated with diversity.

•What challenges and benefits of diversity management do those responsible for HR policy development and implementation face?

•How should HR leaders use policy most effectively to overcome challenges and recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce?

•What specific issues of national legislation on equality in the workplace are being followed to enforce the areas of equality and diversity?

Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization Sample Answer

DHRP KCE W6

Issues Posed By a Diverse Workforce in an Organization

Workplace diversity within an organization occurs when such a company hires employees from different backgrounds and experiences, an element that many organizations consider as an investment towards the development of a better business (Toon, 2011, pp.6). However, there are some issues that are prone to occur as a result of diversity in an organization. Communication barriers are likely to occur within a diverse workforce, an aspect that would result in complexities when passing information, thus resulting in mistakes and errors.

In as much as diversity within an organization have its fare benefits, some employees and managers from diverse backgrounds are likely to reach negatively to changes within the organization (Theodorakopoulos, & Budhwar, 2015, pp.178). Employees who oppose diversity within the workforce reject the inclusion of new ideologies, an aspect that makes work environments challenging. Companies that fail in handling such negative energies may not attain the full benefits of workplace diversity.

The Role of HR Policies in Mitigating the Potential Challenges Associated with Diversity

It is significant to determine that without the inclusion of efforts aimed at promoting policies and efficient practices that provide support to the diverse workforce’s from different backgrounds, an organization is bound to encounter challenges in incorporating such individual within the taskforce (Bamberger, Biron, & Meshoulam, 2014, pp.3). Policies therefore play a vital role in articulating practices that organizations can employ to support the element of diversity, an aspect that would yield positive outcomes such as an increase in organizations creativity, profitability, individuals and organizational growth, flexibility and a successful adjustment to the fluctuations in the market.

In addition to this, diversity policies within an organization are bound to act as a signal that shows the companies commitment in supporting employees from different regions and backgrounds (Bamberger, et.al.2014, pp.4). An effective diversity policy has the capacity to clearly define its goals in a manner that frames the element of diversity as an opportunity to an organization rather than a threat.

Challenges and Benefits of Diversity Management in HR Policy Development and Implementation

The challenges that an organization may encounter in diversity management in relation to HR policy establishment and implementation may include the negative perspectives that may arise from discrimination against the workforce (Marchington, & Suter, 2012, pp.284). This requires organizations to initiative diversity management approaches that harnesses and identifies the values and differences of the workforce in order to fully utilize their potentials for the benefit of an organization.

However, the benefits of diversity management tend to outweigh its challenges. Through a strategized development of diverse workforces, an organization is likely to achieve its competitive advantage an aspect that cogently incorporates flexibility, creativity. Employee retention and attraction, and a better marketing approach (Armstrong, 2014, pp.2). Through an efficient diversity management approach, an organizations taskforce is in a position to increase its innovation and creativity, an aspect that enables such an organization to homogenously outperform its competitors. Other benefits of diversity management may include the reduction in the turnover rates, reduction of the labor market shrinks, absenteeism and attracting the best employees in a company.

HR Leader’s Use of Policy to Overcome Challenges and Determine the Benefits of a Diverse Workforce

Leaders have the capacity to use policies in overcoming some of the challenges that a diverse workforce encounters. This can be achieved when the top management of an organization initiates philosophies that foster an effective organizational culture that embraces and recognizes diversity, thus committing resources and leadership capabilities in the implementation of efficient management methods of diversity policies (Tricker, 2015, pp.17). Organizations may also consider incorporating AA and EEO in making use of diversity. Lastly, organizations also need to consider educating the workforce, networking and communicating at all levels in order to enhance diversity management processes.

National Legislation on Equality in the Workplace

The Equality Act was turned in law in 2010, October, having replaced the previous legislations such as the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 and the Race Relations Act of 1976 (Tricker, 2015, pp.26). As a result of this legislation, employers are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that they promote and improve equality between both men and women irrespective of their circumstances within the work environment.

Diverse Workforce Issues in an Organization References

Armstrong, M. (2014) Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice, 13th ed. London: Kogan Page.

Bamberger, P., Biron, M. & Meshoulam, I. (2014) Human resource strategy: formulation, implementation and impact, 2nd ed. London: Routledge

Marchington, M. & Suter, J. (2012) “Where informality really matters: Patterns of employee involvement and participation in a non-union firm” Industrial Relations 52 (1) pp. 284-313

Toon, C. (2011) ‘Is your HR policy outdated?’ [Online]. Available from: http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/article-details/is-your-hr-policy-outdated (Accessed: 19 October, 2015).

Tricker, B. (2015) .Corporate governance: principles, policies and practices. Oxford: Oxford University Press pp.15-34

Theodorakopoulos, N., & Budhwar, P. (2015). Guest Editors’ Introduction: Diversity and Inclusion in Different Work Settings: Emerging Patterns, Challenges, and Research Agenda. Human Resource Management, 54(2), 177-197. doi:10.1002/hrm.21715

Human Resource and Business Management

Human Resource and Business Management Order Instructions: What can HR and other organizational leaders do to study the link between HRM and business performance?

Human Resource and Business Management
Human Resource and Business Management

This ‘black box’, as it is often called, resists easy explanation. In the case of HR policy, how policies are formulated, aligned with business strategy, operationalized and implemented ought to have a significant impact on business performance. The question remains, how can this impact be determined?

Bamberger, Biron, and Meshoulam (2014) describe three perspectives from which HR strategies, and their attendant policies and practices, can be studied: 1) universalistic, 2) contingency and 3) configurational. From these three perspectives, HR strategy and policy should be formulated, in turn, by identifying ‘ideal’ HR practices, by aligning HR practices and business strategy and by ensuring internal coherence amongst HR practices. These three perspectives are not mutually exclusive. One could argue that the best approach would be to combine the best aspects of all three perspectives. Again, how to do this?

This essay asks you to propose specific ways in which you might approach this challenge in your own context.

To prepare this essay:

•Read the files which I sent by email.

•Reflect on the challenges of measuring or assessing the impact of HR policy on business performance.

•In approximately 850 words, describe strategies that you might use in an organization familiar to you (one where you work or aspire to work) to assess the impact of HR policy on business performance.

•In formulating your essay, consider the following questions:

o Which of the three perspectives described by Bamberger, Biron, and Meshoulam (2014) (or combination of perspectives) would you find most useful in your investigations?

o How might you account for special or unusual aspects of your organization, such as multidimensional business objectives?

o How might you go about enlisting the aid of key stakeholders and/or communicating your findings and arguments to organizational leaders?

Human Resource and Business Management Sample Answer

Introduction

Human resource management concerns itself with the welfare of the personnel of an organization.  Strategic human resource management plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees are well taken care of so that they can increase their productivity. In many organizations, human resource policies are developed without consideration of business goals. However, over the years, business organizations have realized that there is a need for alignment of business goals and human resource policies. The two aspects must always be in tandem in order to propel an organization forward.

Human resource management can be explored from there different perspectives namely universalistic, configurational and contingency. Although each of these perspectives has been found to be effective, none of them can be considered fully exclusive. As such, there is a need to find a way to combine all of them. This discussion has looked at ways of overcoming the challenges that come with combining the three aspects.

Challenges of Assessing Impact of HR Policies

The role of HR policies in a business organization cannot be undermined. The personnel of any organization play central roe and remain a big asset to the organization. However, despite this crucial role of HR policies, it still remains a challenge for any business to quantify the benefits of the same. In many cases, the HR policies are intertwined and often behind the scenes. For instance, HR policies that ensure all employee welfare are taken care of are crucial. Yet, the credit for such an elaborate mechanism is more likely to go to the top management as opposed to the human resource department.

 Human Resource and Business Management in HR Perspectives

Bamberger, Biron and Meshoulam (2014) have described three strategies or theories upon which human resource strategies are founded. They include universalistic, configurational and contingency. Universalistic is better known as best practice theory. This theory assumes that in the business world, there are a set of practices that are found to be best and universally applicable. This theory argues that the adoption of these practices by any organization will lead to the achievement of projected goals. Although there is some practicability to this argument, there are some loopholes. This is because not all organizations have similar needs. As such, there is a need to customize certain practices to accommodate the needs of different organizations.

Contingency Theory

This theory recognizes that there is indeed not one uniform practice that can accommodate the business needs of all organizations (Armstrong, 2009). As such, this theory advocates for customized practices that vary from one organization to another. This theory emphasizes or contextual approach so that every organization develop HRM practices that are best suited for them. Further, this theory notes that strategic human resource management is not the only determining factor to performance. Rather, alignment of SHRM to business strategies largely determines the outcome (Porter, 2012).

Configurational approach is seen as the most sound of all the proposed HR strategies. This theory seeks to combine both universalistic and contingency approaches. This theory note that the two other approaches have benefits and shortcomings in equal measure (Redman &Wilkinson, 2010). As such, for an organization to successfully perform, it ought to combine both approaches. Therefore, of the three discussed approaches, the configurational approach has been as the best because it employs best practices in the industry while at the same time customizing some to meet its specific business needs (Delery, 2010).

Special or Unusual Aspects

From the above HR strategies, it is expected that businesses will have a structured and organized strategies. This is, however, not the case as organizations tend to deviate from the normal (Barney, 2011). For instance, a company in the information technology sector is more likely to go outside the norm. This is in order to accommodate the dynamism in the market. The need to remain relevant with changing trends and consumer patterns will lead to special or unusual aspects in some organizations.

The Aid of Key Stakeholders

It is highly imperative for business organizations to appreciate the role of each person in an organization. Every stakeholder plays a significant and contributory role towards the success of the organization (Purcell, Hutchinson, Kinnie, 2013). More often, certain areas of an organization have been given preference to the exclusion of others. For instance, despite the crucial role played by strategic human resource management, it has often been ignored in the favor of other business strategies. While business strategies are crucial, so are human resource management policies (Scholes & Johnson, 2014). None should be treated as lesser of the other.

Human Resource and Business Management Conclusion

There is a need to bring on board all aspects that directly or indirectly contribute to the success of an organization. More importantly, it is necessary that all these aspects are intertwined. Of greater importance is to ensure alignment to the business goals. All these aspects should be geared towards achieving the projected goals of an organization. The various theories that have been developed must all be combined to ensure that an organization gets the best. Each of all these theories are crucial but cannot support organizational success solely. They must be brought on board while customizing in order to meet the specific needs of the organization.

Human Resource and Business Management References

Armstrong, M.A. (2009). A Handbook of Human Resources Management. (11thed.).London:       Kogan Page.

Barney, J. (2011).Is resource-based view a useful perspective for strategic management      research? Yes. Academy of Management Review. 26(1), 41-56.

Delery, J., & Doty, H. (2010). Modes of theorizing in Strategic Human Resource Management:

            Tests of universalistic, contingency and configurationally performance predictions.

Academy of Management Journal. 39(4), 802-835.

Porter, M. (2012). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance.           New York: Free Press.

Purcell, J., Hutchinson, S., Kinnie, S. (2013). Understanding the Role and Performance Link:        Unlocking the Black Box. London: CIPD.

Redman, T., &Wilkinson, A. (2010). Contemporary Human Resource Management: Texts and     Cases. (eds.) Harlow: Pearson Education.

Scholes, K., & Johnson, G. (2014). Explaining Corporate Strategy. Hempstead: Prentice Hall.

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance Order Instructions: 10 minimum references, also APA 6th edition will be used throughout the entire paper with peer review articles not older than 5 years

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance
Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance

Effects of Human Resource practices on employee performance

Any organization’s performance depends largely on the practices of its employees. Successful companies have realized increasingly that there are several factors that have an impact on their performance but human resource has been ranked as the most crucial (Shields et al., 2015). One of the primary goals of adopting human resource practices is to assess the performance of employees in an organization (Chukwuka Ernest, 2016; Noe, 2013). In the modern competitive environment, several organizations have endeavored to persistently improve the performance of their employees by improving the practices of the human resource department. Alfes et al., (2013) acknowledge that the practices of HR are a major source of competitive advantage.
Several scholars such as (Kehoe & Wright, 2013; Caliskan, 2010) argue that effective HR practices promote the organization’s performance and result in the production of higher profits. Therefore, the main aim of my study will be to examine the relationship between HR practices and the employee perceived performance various organizations across the globe. The problem statement of my study will be “To what extent are human resource practices affecting the performance of employees in an organization.” Some of the topics that will be researched include;
The impact of recruitment and selection on the performance of employees
The effect of staff compensation on organization performance
Impact of career planning on performance
Effect of employee training on the organization
The relationship between HR’s performance appraisal and staff performance
The impact of involvement of employees on the success of a company
The study will then draw a conclusion and recommendations from the findings obtained. The study will be used in the future as a guide to any project related to HR practices and the performance of employees.

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance References

Alfes, K., Truss, C., Soane, E. C., Rees, C., & Gatenby, M. (2013). The relationship between line manager behavior perceived HRM practices, and individual performance: Examining the mediating role of engagement. Human resource management, 52(6), 839-859.
Caliskan, N. E. (2010). The impact of strategic human resourcemanagement on organizational performance. Journal of Naval Science Engineering, 6(2): 100-116
Chukwuka Ernest. (2016). Effects of Human Resource Management Practices on Employee. Saarbrücken.PerformanceOmniscriptumGmbh& Company Kg.
Kehoe, R. R., & Wright, P. M. (2013). The impact of high-performance human resource practices on employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Journal of Management, 39(2), 366-391.
Noe, R. A. (2013). Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Shields, J., Brown, M., Kaine, S., Dolle-Samuel, C., North-Samardzic, A., McLean, P., … & Plimmer, G. (2015). Managing Employee Performance & Reward: Concepts, Practices, Strategies. Cambridge University Press.

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance Sample Answer

The relationship between HR practices and the employee perceived performance in various organizations across the globe

Even though previous research in strategic human resource management has determined a significant association between high-performance HR practices and company-level market and fiscal outcomes, limited research has been carried out delving the vital role of various HR practices on the perceived performance of staffs. In essence, few studies have looked into the effects of high-performance human resource practices on the employee performance and productivity or how these two correlate (Dessler, 2013). To address this gap in the existing literature, the main aim of the current research is to examine the relationship between various HR practices such as performance evaluation practices, involvement practices, and compensation practices and the worker’s perceived performance in a wide range of companies globally. The problem statement is as follows: to what degree are HR practices affecting employees’ performance level within a company.

Human resource management is understood as the practices and policies that are involved in carrying out the HR facets of a management position (Khan, 2010). HR management includes the systems, practices and policies which influence the performance, attitude and behaviour of staff members. An organization’s performance is very much contingent on the performance and productivity of its staff member. Wood (2011) reported that the performance of employees is an essential factor that affects the performance of the organization. Successful companies have come to realize that there are quite a few factors that could actually affect their performance and one of the most crucial factors is certainly the human resource (HR) practices (Shields et al., 2015). A noteworthy goal of espousing HR practices is basically to evaluate the performance of staff members within the company (Chukwuka, 2016; Noe, 2013). In today’s highly competitive environment, a lot of companies have endeavoured to constantly enhance their workers’ performance level by improving the practices of their HR departments. According to Alfes et al. (2013), human resources practices are a significant and vital source of competitive advantage for a business organization. A number of academics such as Caliskan (2010) and Kehoe and Wright (2013) assert that good human resources practices foster the performance of a company and actually bring about higher profitability.

Recruitment and selection practices have been demonstrated to have an effect on the employee perceived performance. However, this effect is not very significant. Recruitment is understood as the process that is used to fill the vacant job posts fully with the right people, and to meet the organization’s requirements and expectations. In essence, recruitment is any process for which a company seeks candidates and attracts prospective workers, whereas selection is understood as the process through which a company identifies those candidates with the abilities, skills, knowledge and other attributes which would help the company to attain its goals (Noe, 2013). On the overall, the recruitment and selection process is aimed at obtaining a minimum cost the quality and number of workers who are needed to satisfy the organization’s HR needs.

Recruitment and selection are integrated factors which impact the perceived performance of workers in an organization. Recruitment of employees entails the use of job analysis in selecting and identifying the organization’s requirements and needs. Selection is a crucial HR function given that the selection of employees is closely related with the development of the organization (Savaneviciene & Stankeviciute, 2011). In a study of how the performance of employees is linked to the human resource policies, Guest (2011) learned that HR professionals in the organizations should be able to select the right people and place them in appropriate work positions. In essence, during selection, the HR professional collects information regarding the jobseekers and uses it to decide who is fit for each available job position and should therefore be hired in the organization (Guest, 2011).

In another study, Noe (2013) noted that when the HR department adopts best practices in employee recruitment and selection, they would be able to get the top talent and people with excellent skills and competencies into the organization. When the recruited and selected employees are very skilled for the job, their perceived performance in their work tasks in the organization would definitely be higher than the perceived job performance of employees who do not possess the right skills and competencies for the job (Savaneviciene & Stankeviciute, 2011). For this reason, there is an association between HR practices and the employee perceived job performance: the highly skilled and competent the recruited and selected employees are, the higher their perceived job performance would be.

The other HR practice that was examined for its association with employee perceived performance is employee training. Training of employees is a vital aspect in producing the human capital required by the organization. Training is a methodical approach which allows staff members to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge so as to perform their work tasks in an effective manner with the resulting improvement in the behaviour (Boxall & Purcell, 2011). Formal employee training is largely carried out by the organization for the purpose of improving the employee’s abilities and skills. It is also done to exhibit the organization’s commitment to its workers. Through training, skills in the workers necessary to carry out the job are developed. According to Wood (2011), training is not just a way of arming staff members with the skills needed to carry out their job tasks: training actually represents the commitment of the employer to its workers.

In his study, Chukwuka (2016) learned that when the human resource department invests in training programs, employees would be able to feel indebted to the organization. In essence, training is required for staff members to carry out certain jobs. According to Chukwuka (2016), performing a certain job well may require the worker to possess specific knowledge and skills, which the employee would be able to acquire through training. As a human resource practice, training has a highly positive impact on the employees’ performance. Shields et al. (2015) reported that training allows workers to obtain the knowledge, abilities as well as skills needed by the job position.

Guest (2011) in his study discovered that when any organization across the globe provides training to its workers, the workers would realize that the company has the intention of counting on them in future and they would be more confident. Consequently, these employees would put in more effort in their work and in fact give their best at the workplace resulting in increased employee perceived performance (Guest, 2011). All in all, training is a crucial endeavour that helps to develop extra competencies required these days or in the future so as to increase the performance level of the employee. Extensive training programs are carried out to improve the job performance of workers so as to attain a strategic position. Training programs are crucial to attaining goals of the organization. A desired change could be achieved in the perceived performance of staff members through offering them proper training (Wood, 2011). Training is therefore positively and strongly correlated to employee perceived performance.

HR personnel in successful organizations across the globe understand that the provisions which they make for employee trainings in fact lie at the core of their capacity to draw and keep the most excellent and finest talent for their company (Chukwuka, 2016). As such, HR professionals need to provide an opportunity for their organization’s staff members to learn, given that proactive development schemes would improve the capabilities of their employees, motivate employees and in turn engender a more loyal employee set (Alfes et al., 2013). It is notable that employees who are loyal are predisposed to have high job performance.

Investments in employee training and the execution of development schemes are becoming recognized growingly by organizations across the globe as crucial aspects of human resource management. Researchers who have studied various sectors and industries throughout the globe have learned that there is a positive association between investment in training and the performance of employees considering that training and development activities lead to employee commitment that consequently brings about higher employee perceived performance (Caliskan, 2010). For instance, Brown, Hyatt and Benson (2010) and Guest (2011) in their studies found that workers were more committed to their job tasks and attainment of the organization’s goals whenever they felt that their organization actually cares about their development and training requirements. Brown, Hyatt and Benson (2010) found that suitable training positively contributed to the retention of employees as it made the workers to feel acknowledged as well as recognized by the company for their strengths. Workers who feel recognized by their company will generally have a high perceived performance. As such, there is a significant correlation between training and employee perceived performance.

The HR practice of compensation is also of great importance in influencing employee perceived performance. Compensation refers to the process that is used to provide financial value to staff members for the work which they have carried out in the organization. Compensation generally includes more than just the pay and bonuses that are submitted to the staff member because of the services they offer to the organization (Khatibi et al., 2012). Compensation could be utilized in rewarding the performance of staffs, in hiring skilled personnel, and in encouraging company loyalty by reducing employee turnover. It is worth mentioning that compensation includes bonuses, overtime, the basic pay, medical allowance, accommodation/travel allowance, profit sharing and even commission. The compensation policy of an organization has a major effect on whether the employer can attract new people into the organization as well as the loyalty of employees. It also helps in ensuring the maximum performance level of employees to meet the company’s goals and objectives (Wood, 2011).

In his study of various HR policies in different organizations, Chukwuka (2016) learned that performance-based rewards offered by the company’s human resource department helped in increasing the motivation of employees to work and perform their jobs satisfactorily, which in turn resulted in high employee performance. The HR department’s compensation practice may entail giving workers pay raises based on their job performance; that is, when the job performance of the employee improves, he or she would get a pay rise. This HR compensation practice has been found by Khan (2010) to greatly help to increase the perceived performance of employees in a number of organizations considering that most employees in the studied organizations wanted a pay rise and for them to get it, they had to work hard and improve their performance. After improving their performance levels, their pays were increased (Khan, 2010). Therefore, the HR compensation practice of performance-based pay raises is significantly related to employee perceived job performance: there is a strong positive correlation (Caliskan, 2010).

In general, employees who feel that they are compensated well by their organization tend to be highly committed to their organizations. Staff members who are committed to a company are by and large motivated to demonstrate high job performance. Kehoe and Wright (2013) reported that employees who are committed usually experience higher job productivity given that such staff members seek to better perform the behaviour expected of them. They also go beyond their jobs and develop more efficient methods of working and they are less likely to free-ride/shirk or to become counter-productive (Caliskan, 2010). All in all, committed workers are more likely to perform their jobs very well leading to high employee perceived job performance.

 

The HR practice of performance evaluation is also explored to determine its relationship with employee perceived performance. Formal employee performance appraisals are usually conducted for the purpose of increasing motivation and actually help in development. Performance evaluation is understood as a methodical appraisal of the performance of a worker in the worker’s assigned work tasks. Performance appraisal is generally aimed at increasing employee’s motivation as well as self-worth (Khatibi et al., 2012). Performance evaluations could be utilized as feedback to employees for the purpose of influencing and enhancing subsequent employee performance. The findings of employee performance evaluations provide insight into the efficacy of the company’s human resource system, the training and development requirements for the entire company, as well as the setting and articulating of company objectives for employees. All things considered, performance evaluations cannot be carried out in an effective manner unless the HR personnel who conducts the appraisals possesses the interpersonal interviewing skills needed for providing the feedback to employees being evaluated (Alfes et al., 2013).

There is a positive albeit insignificant or weak correlation between performance appraisal and the performance of employees. In a study by Dessler (2013), performance appraisal was found to increase the productivity of a worker which consequently served to increase the performance of the organization. Performance evaluation helps to enhance professional growth since it points out the areas of performance improvement. It is worth mentioning that transparent performance appraisal will motivate workers to work more so as to attain the goals and objectives of the organization; hence their perceived performance will increase (Boxall & Purcell, 2011). In his study of HR policies in various organizations, Wood (2011) found that merit-based performance evaluation increased the worker’s commitment and motivation, and actually had an effect not just on their perceived job performance, but also on the performance of the company overall. Satisfied workers lead toward decreased absenteeism and turnover and higher productivity and job performance (Wood, 2011).

If skilled employees are not motivated to perform their jobs, their effectiveness would be restricted. As such, to motivate staff members, the HR personnel can encourage efficiency by means of performance evaluations basing upon group or individual performance. Relating these employee evaluations to internal promotion systems basing upon employee merit and other sorts of incentives would support the interest of workers with those of shareholders (Alfes et al., 2013). Researchers have discovered that staff members generally develop more positive attitudes whenever they get favourable performance appraisal outcomes (Shields et al., 2015). Thus there is a weak relationship between the HR practice of performance appraisal and employee perceived performance.

Career planning is also a crucial HR practice which could be connected to employee perceived performance. Career planning is understood as the process that is used to set career objectives and goals and specifies the ways of attaining those career goals. This HR practice is an essential tool used in motivating workers to work for the development of the company (Khatibi et al., 2012). Career planning focuses on motivating staff members to attain the desired match between the goals of the organization and their personal goals. Career planning helps to develop the company’s human resources which will in turn enable them to improve their job performance in the workplace. The process of career development helps to identify the experience and skills of workers and allocating them work tasks accordingly (Savaneviciene & Stankeviciute, 2011).

People generally prefer joining the companies in which they can get sufficient opportunities to pursue their career goals and fully make use of their potential. Career planning is an essential tool which the human resources department can use to motivate staff members to work in an efficient and effective manner to accomplish the organization’s goals and objectives. Employees who are motivated are inclined to exhibit high job performance (Dessler, 2013). As such, there is a positive though not significant relationship between the HR practice of career planning and employee perceived job performance.

Furthermore, employee involvement is a vital HR practice that could be correlated to employee perceived performance. Employee involvement, as Caliskan (2010) pointed out, occurs when the organization’s HR department creates an environment where workers are empowered to make their own decisions and take necessary actions that are pertinent to their job tasks. In their study, Boxall and Purcell (2011) learned that employee involvement allowed the company to retain its workers because involvement increased commitment and ownership and fostered an environment that made the workers contributing and motivated. Employee contribution positively influences the performance of workers in organizations. It is notable that employee involvement helps to increase motivation, job satisfaction, as well as employees’ commitment given that workers feel themselves more involved in the organization’s success (Boxall & Purcell, 2011).

When workers are empowered through involving them in decision-making, it helps to increase their productivity, reduces the gap between subordinates and supervisor, saves time for decision-making, and fosters a strong sense of teamwork amongst employees (Guest, 2011). Employee involvement also empowers workers so as to release their potential. Furthermore, empowering workers helps to decrease conflict amongst workers (Chukwuka, 2016). All these help to improve the perceived job performance of workers. Noe (2013) reported that employees need to feel that their company cares about their well-being and values their contribution. The support which the organization provides is related directly to the performance of employees. Workers exchange their genuine effort for greater care, support and concern which they received from the company. Whenever workers are treated with consideration by involving them in decision-making processes, they are inclined to display greater commitment levels, which in turn results in higher employee perceived job performance (Boxall & Purcell, 2011).

Other individual human resources practices like bonuses for work attendance help in reducing the rates of absenteeism of staff members. Employees who are never absent and always come to work on time are inclined to being more productive and perform better in their jobs in comparison to employees with high absenteeism levels (Brown, Hyatt & Benson, 2010). Employees can only perform their job tasks if they are present in the workplace. As such, a high-performance human resources system that offers bonuses for perfect employee attendance is directly related to reductions in employee absenteeism which in turn results in increased employee perceived job performance (Brown, Hyatt & Benson, 2010).

Recommendations

From the findings, it is clear that HR practices including employee involvement, training, bonuses and compensation have a significant and positive relationship with job performance of workers. The HR practices of career planning and performance evaluation are also positively correlated to employee perceived performance in organizations across the globe, but their correlation is rather weak and not very significant compared to employee involvement, training, bonuses and compensation.

It is recommended that organizations have to apply the human resource practices in order to attain the desired objectives and goals. Various reward and recognition programs should be used by HR professionals in organizations across the globe in order to drive behaviour which fosters high employee perceived performance (Alfes et al., 2013). It is also recommended that organizations adopt performance-based compensation to reward staff members as this has been shown to have a great impact on the perceived performance of employees. Noe (2013) reported that performance-based compensation influences the performance of an employee positively. On the whole, employers should view the HR practice of compensation in a favourable light given that this HR practice significantly influences employee perceived performance and productivity. HR professionals should consider job performance a vital factor in determining the compensation of the performance of workers.

Moreover, it is recommended that organizations should consider providing training and development to their workers. The HR department in organizations should use training as a tool for increasing effectiveness as well as efficiency of workers which will in turn help to increase the performance of the organization (Khatibi et al., 2012). HR professionals in organizations globally should conduct extensive training programs for their staff members pertinent to the changing requirements of business and jobs. Top executives should value the ideas and contribution shared by staff members. They should also empower workers to capitalize on their individual talent so as to make decisions that are effective (Dessler, 2013). HR practices are of great importance in increasing the performance of employees and therefore, it is recommended that companies should revise their human resource policies by keeping in view the aforementioned factors so as to achieve the targeted objectives and goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study sought to delve the relationship between HR practices and the employee perceived performance in different organizations globally. The results suggest that there is a strong, positive and significant relationship between the human resources practices of employee involvement, training, bonuses and compensation and perceived performance level of staff members in organizations globally. Career planning and performance appraisals are not strongly related to employee perceived performance. Future research should examine the other human resource management practices like job description, supervision, promotion practices, and employee relations as vital factors in relation to employee perceived job performance.

Effects of Human Resource Practices on Performance References

Alfes, K., Truss, C., Soane, E. C., Rees, C., & Gatenby, M. (2013). The relationship between line manager behaviour, perceived HRM practices, and individual performance: Examining the mediating role of engagement. Human resource management, 52(6), 839-859.

Brown, M., Hyatt, D., & Benson, J. (2010). Consequences of The Performance Appraisal Experience, Personnel Review, 39(3): 375-396.

Boxall, P. & Purcell, J. (2011). Strategy and Human Resource Management, 3rd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Caliskan, N. E. (2010). The impact of strategic human resource management on organizational performance. Journal of Naval Science Engineering, 6(2): 100-116

Chukwuka, E. (2016). Effects of Human Resource Management Practices on Employee. Saarbrücken.PerformanceOmniscriptumGmbh& Company Kg.

Dessler, G. (2013). Human Resource Management. 13th Edition. Pearson Education Limited. Essex, UK.

Guest, D. (2011). Human resource management and performance: still searching for some answers. Human Resource Management Journal, Vol.21, No.1: 3–13

Kehoe, R. R., & Wright, P. M. (2013). The impact of high-performance human resource practices on employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Journal of Management, 39(2), 366-391.

Khatibi, P., Asgharian, R., Saleki, Z., & Manafi, M. (2012). The Effect of HR Practices on Perceived Employee Performance: A study of Iranian. Interdisciplanary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp:82-98.

Khan, M. A. (2010). Effects of Human Resource Management Practices on Organizational Performance – An Empirical Study of the Oil and Gas Industry in Pakistan. European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences.

Noe, R. A. (2013). Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Savaneviciene, A., & Stankeviciute, Z. (2011). Human Resource Management Practices Linkage with Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction. Economics and Management Journal, Vol. 16, pp: 921-928.

Shields, J., Brown, M., Kaine, S., Dolle-Samuel, C., North-Samardzic, A., McLean, P., … & Plimmer, G. (2015). Managing Employee Performance & Reward: Concepts, Practices, Strategies. Cambridge University Press.

Wood, S. (2011). Human resource management and performance’, International Journal of Management Review, Vol.1, No.4: 367–413

 

The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy

The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy Order Instructions: The Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) provides the framework to help you expand your academic, professional and career development; build and sustain a personal learning network; articulate your professional goals, and reflect on your skills through various strategies and assessments.

The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy
The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy

In this Assignment, you will reflect upon your prior knowledge and experience, and consider various perspectives relating to HR policy development.

•Download the files from the email.

•Reflect on your prior knowledge of and experience with HR policy in organizations. As an employee, reflect upon your own perspective and engagement with HR policy.

•Reflect upon the perspective of colleagues whose role may involve HR policy development and/or whose role requires a close working relationship with HR policy developers.

•Your prior knowledge of and experience with HR policy within your own organization (or one that you are familiar with).

•Your own particular areas of personal and/or professional interest (e.g. diversity management, recruitment and selection, grievance and discipline etc.).

•Your personal biases and assumptions about the ways in which these policies have been developed and implemented.

•Challenge yourself to think critically about these policies from the perspective of others. For example, colleagues whose role may involve HR policy development and/or whose role requires a close working relationship with HR policy developers.

The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy Sample Answer

Prior Knowledge of and Experience with HR Policy in Organisations

As an employee, it is vital to establish that the engagement, energy, and commitment to HR policies aid in inclusively bringing to work the indicators of dedication and involvement within a work environment.  The engagement in productive and quality content clearly indicates our engagement in being loyal within an organization. When an organization embeds sound HR practices, they ensure that employees feel safe, satisfied and in a position to work in achieving their full potential (Armstrong, 2014). My knowledge and experience in HR policies in an organization clearly determine the essence of people as the primary resources that an organization has in delivering its services effectively. In this case, strategic planning and the inclusion of HR policies in management clearly guide an organization’s strategic plan, a factor that indicates that the staff plays significant roles in steering the direction of the organization.

Particular Areas of Personal and/or Professional Interest

In detailing my personal and professional interest within HR, the recruitment policy plays a significant role in my professional experience. This policy within the areas of work I have gained experience from ensures that an open recruitment approach in inclusively established within and outside an organization in ensuring qualified and experienced applicants are included within the workforce of an organization (Bamberger, Biron, & Meshoulam, 2014). In addition to this, the recruitment policies of an organization primarily place stress on the need to ensure special efforts in securing a sufficient recruitment process is facilitated with the aim of achieving an affirmative action plan.

These policies ensure that the recruitment process is open and are developed to include an organizations objective in fostering a well-qualified and diverse work team. On the other hand, several organizations policies articulate the essence of ensuring career positions are filled through the inclusion of the recruitment process on an organizations HR website (Marchington, & Suter, 2012). This allows the HR client services teams to consult and assist with several discursive strategies that include professional organization association and networking.

Personal Biases on How These Policies are Developed and Implemented

The hiring of talent remains one of the essential elements of an organization, a factor that remains challenging in achieving. In this case, diversity in the hiring and employment of qualified personnel ensures the initiation of a robust and well-equipped team that can effectively perform in meeting the pressures and circumstances of an organization. My personal bias on how policies are developed and implemented remains in expectation anchor where an interviewee may bypass proper investigative measures in reliance on the frivolous expectations that focuses on the element of favoritism (Toon, 2011). An interviewer, therefore, believes that such a candidate remains in a suitable position to acquire the job thus putting a mental block during the process of interviewing.

Critical Thought of these Policies from the Perspective of Others

In thinking critically about these policies from the perspective of others, it is significant to ascertain the essence of diversity and fair treatment by acknowledging the need to appreciate the differences among the employees and the value of investing in these differences with the aim of enhancing the management practices of an organization (Tricker, 2015). This, therefore, ensures that the element of discrimination is omitted and inclusiveness in promoted, an aspect that is essential within a work environment. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure equal opportunities and diversity is also included in providing training, advice, and help on several situations that are tailored within specific environments.

The Personal Development Portfolio and HR Policy References

Armstrong, M. (2014) Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice, 13th ed. London: Kogan Page.

Bamberger, P., Biron, M. & Meshoulam, I. (2014) Human resource strategy: formulation, implementation, and impact, 2nd ed. London: Routledge

Marchington, M. & Suter, J. (2012) “Where informality really matters: Patterns of employee involvement and participation in a non-union firm” Industrial Relations 52 (1) pp. 284-313

Toon, C. (2011) ‘Is your HR policy outdated?’ [Online]. Available from: http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/article-details/is-your-hr-policy-outdated (Accessed: 19 October 2015).

Tricker, B. (2015).Corporate governance: principles, policies, and practices. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation Order Instructions: Focus on ways in which HR leaders and line managers must work together to effectively implement HR policy

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation
HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation Sample Answer

Introduction

It is imperative in every organization for line managers and human resource managers to work closely and in tandem. This is because both of these parties have a similar end goal which is the achievement of projected goals of the organization. In working together, their jobs become somewhat intertwined so that they are able to harmonize all the functions that fall in both their departments. Further, line managers gain proficiency in some of the functions of human resources (Boxal 2015). This means that they can take up some of the functions which allow human resource managers to concentrate on strategic human resource management. There are various ways in which human resources managers and line managers can work together. This discussion explores some of the possible ways.

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation and Staffing of Various Departments

This is one area of collaboration that line and human resource managers can work together. Ideally, the role of staffing rests with human resource managers. However, the input of line managers is required so that they may select personnel with the right skills and experience for the job (Carbery 2013). The two managers must work in hand in hand and use their expertise to ensure that the candidates recruited are fit for the receptive position.

Strategy

Focusing on the future of an organization encompasses laying down well down strategies. This cannot be done by line managers solely although the duty lies more on them. The input of HR Managers comes in handy very often. This is because the key determinant to the success of any organization is its employees. As such, the two managers must strategize to see how best they can improve their workforce, leading to the success of the organization (Burke 2016).

Resolution of Workplace Conflict

Once in a while, the occurrence of conflict at the workplace is likely. The conflict may be among employees or between an employee and a senior member of staff. All matters regarding employee welfare ought to be referred to the human resource manager Mello 2014. However, when conflicts arise, line managers must work together with human resources managers to resolve the dispute. This is because line managers know the employees working under them better than the HR manager (Armstrong 2010). As such, line managers can offer some advice to the HR manager which could help to quickly and amicably resolve the conflict.

Employee Performance

For employees to keep up with expected performance and productivity, it is imperative that they are taken through training from time to time. This helps to increase their knowledge and experience making them more resourceful. The human resource department takes up the role of organizing employee training and development forums. However, they need the input and help of line managers. Every line managers are well aware of the knowledge and information gaps that exist in their department (Ulrich 2013). They, therefore, play a crucial role in helping HR managers in organizing relevant training sessions.

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation Conclusion

In most organizations, various departments tend to run independently. However, it has come to the realization of scholars that in order for optimal performance in organizations to be achieved, interlink is crucial. Departments within an organization are more of a life cycle where each organ of the body requires all others so as to function.  Although the HR and the line managers can choose to work independently, best results are achieved when both work harmoniously and in tandem.

HR and Managers HR Policy Implementation Bibliography

Armstrong, M, 2010, a handbook of human resource management practice, New York: Kogan     Publishers.

Boxal, P, 2015, Strategy and human resource management. California: California University        Press

Burke, R. 2016, corporate reputation: Managing opportunities and threats, California: CRC          Press.

Carbery, R, 2013, Human resource management: a concise introduction, London: Palgrave           Macmillan.

Mello, J, 2014, Strategic human resource management, London: Sage

Ulrich, D, 2013, delivering results: A new mandate for human resource professionals, London:     Sage.

Aligned HR Policies Implementation

Aligned HR Policies Implementation Order Instructions: If only the plans, policies and practices that organizational leaders design could be implemented exactly as intended, with the assurance that intended results would be achieved!

Aligned HR Policies Implementation
Aligned HR Policies Implementation

In the real world, this is almost never the case. Different individuals will interpret and enact policy in different ways, depending upon their personal agenda or perspective.

People with different roles within the organization, at different levels, will also understand and implement policy differently.

On occasion, policies can be resisted, subverted or even deliberately misinterpreted when they conflict with what particular individuals, teams or departments are trying to achieve. All of this leads to the existence of both the organization’s ‘espoused’ HR strategy – what is planned or intended – and its attendant policies and practices, as well as the ‘emergent’ strategy and policy as actually implemented (Bamberger, Biron and Meshoulam, 2014, p.8).

In this essay, you build on your work to consider how you could work to ensure that well-aligned HR policies will be implemented so as to have their desired effect.

Aligned HR Policies Implementation Sample Answer

Aligned HR Policies Implementation

Introduction

Strategic HR policies remain a significant element in strategic HR management since this process links HR management directly to an organization’s strategic plan. Most organizations therefore develop strategic policies in order to guide their functions in meeting their missions successfully. It is vital to detail that even the smallest organizations have the capacity to develop HR policies that guide their future decisions.  Based on the HR policies, an organization has the capacity to initiate a strategic HR plan that would aid its management in making HR management decisions that supports the organizations future direction.

Aligned HR Policies Implementation

The implementation of HR policies infers to an organizations effort directed towards ensuring productivity and maximum success. In implementing HR policies, it is integral that HR professionals initiate appropriate strategies that support an organizations direction. This process requires the HR practitioners to consider an organization strategic vision since an efficient HR strategy may not survive in a vacuum (Ulrich, Brockbank, Ulrich, & Kryscynski, 2015, pp.56).

These policies should be aligned with the strategic vision of the organization that indicates where an organization is headed to including the people resources that are required in aiding it to achieve its goals (Arthur, Herdman, & Jaewan, 2016, pp.420). It is therefore essential that the HR professionals review the current visions of a company to establish effective approaches of conducting HR activities that support the vision.  In relation with other managers within the organization, HR practitioners need to also ensure that the vision of the company is applicable on the internal and external elements and whether the proposed changes within the marketplace may require the initiation of a new vision.

In addition to this, aligned HR policies implementation requires the consideration of demographics. For instance, when the baby boomer generation approaches their retirement, an organization may be required to understand the need to resolve the exodus of their key staff members. This is in consideration of the fact that an aging population may translate to high staffing costs as well as the need to retain and train the employees (Creelman, 2015, pp.17). This clearly determines the need for the HR practitioners to take consideration of the demographical factors in adjusting to the gaps that may exist between the current required skills and the need for experiences in the future, as aligned to the vision and strategy of an organization. HR strategy therefore needs to be directed towards filling these gaps through an approach that involves strategic recruitments, retention approaches and training efforts.

Lastly, it is significant to ensure that the element of knowledge transfer between the departmental employees, whether these personnel are departing on a voluntary or involuntary basis, or as a result of retirement is considered. This is attributed to the need of an organization in ensuring continuity, an approach that is directed towards impacting the effectiveness and productivity of an organization (Chadwick, Super, & Kwon, 2015, pp.350). A knowledge transfer approach is considered as vital, a factor that requires the creation and implementation of knowledge transfer plans. These approaches are developed to ensure that the knowledge and skills of the older workers is captured, retained and transferred to the new and younger workers during the retirement of the baby boomers.

Aligned HR Policies Implementation Conclusion

As detailed in this paper, it is vital to establish that the aligned HR policies implementation that impacts the function of an organization requires the inclusion of effective strategies aimed at supporting an organization’s future endeavor (Ostroff, & Bowen, 2016, pp.198). This process requires HR managers to evaluate an organizations vision, consider the demographical factors of the organization and lastly ensure that adequate knowledge transfer approaches are initiated.

Aligned HR Policies Implementation References

Arthur, J, Herdman, A, & Jaewan, Y 2016, ‘How Top Management Hr Beliefs And Values Affect High-Performance Work System Adoption And Implementation Effectiveness’, Human Resource Management, 55, 3, pp. 413-435, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016.

Chadwick, C, Super, J, & Kwon, K 2015, ‘Resource orchestration in practice: CEO emphasis on SHRM, commitment-based HR systems, and firm performance’, Strategic Management Journal, 36, 3, pp. 360-376, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016.

Creelman, D 2015, ‘HR in the Middle (Hot) Seat: Implementing the Right Talent Management System’, Workforce Solutions Review, 6, 5, pp. 15-18, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016.

Ostroff, C, & Bowen, D 2016, ‘Reflections On The 2014 Decade Award: Is There Strength In The Construct Of Hr System Strength?’, Academy Of Management Review, 41, 2, pp. 196-214, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016.

Ulrich, D, Brockbank, W, Ulrich, M, & Kryscynski, D 2015, ‘Toward a Synthesis of HR Competency Models: The Common HR “Food Groups”‘, People & Strategy, 38, 4, pp. 56-65, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 June 2016.

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends Order Instructions: The HR leader’s response to organizational and social trends

In this essay, write about synthesizing ways in which HR leaders can use policy to respond effectively to such trends.

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends
HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends

You may find that classmates in other industries or other parts of the world may have very different views of some trends and their implications. Consider whether what might appear at first to be a serious problem for HR leaders could, with the right policy development, be leveraged into an opportunity for the organization and its staff.

To prepare for this essay:

•Review the required Learning Resources which have been sent by email.

o Supporting another student’s views or providing an alternative perspective on the ways in which HR leaders can use policy to be responsive to organizational and social trends.

o Synthesizing general lessons about the importance of organizational context in formulating HR policy

o Discussing ways your experiences are similar or different with regard to the impact of organizational and social trends on HR policy

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends Sample Answer

The HR leader’s response to organizational and social trends

Human Resource is responsible for, hiring, attracting, choosing, preparing, assessing and compensating workers while ensuring conformity with employment policies and labor laws. They are also in charge of workforce diversity, business continuity, and progression preparation.

 Ways in which HR leaders can use policy to be responsive to organizational and social trends.

Most HR policies related to technology, data security and use of social media are outdated as technology is ever advancing at very high speed. Most workers around the world are connected through the internet, therefore; the policies should be flexible, practical, enforceable, and friendly and enhance work-life balance meaning the policies should be flexible (Ulrich 2013).  Moreover, the HR managers should encourage openness while providing firm guidelines regarding the use of those technologies in a bid to protect both the organization and the individual. Therefore, HR managers should be ahead of the game to stay competitive.

The HR managers should, therefore, employ the current technology to control their workforce or employ online agencies or recruiting organizations to control their workforce (Bamberger, Biron & Meshhoulam 2014). The aging workforce, globalized workforce, removal of compulsory retirement age, for instance, requires new policies to govern new legislation The HR policies should seek to maximize the opportunities offered by the new trends while minimizing the risks that come with the new technology.

There are also political and economic trends that are affecting HR. politically, the increase in demand for precision in government and organization and power dispensation should be addressed. Economically, there is an increased economic growth, increasing the gap between the rich and the poor, growth and increase in state capitalism. All these emerging trends should be countered by appropriate HR policies in the organization (Sanchez-Apellaniz, & Triguero-Sánchez 2016).

Synthesizing general lessons about the importance of organizational context in formulating HR policy

Contemporary policies should be developed to govern issues of workers mobility, flexibility in work arrangements, life balance, and skill gaps, including a shift in demographics and diversity. Policies should also be developed that govern line management, pressures at work and women work life balance (Bratton & Gold 2012). Overall, the policies should ensure consistently and adhere to organizations values and should not be over controlling but rather it should balance the organization’s requirements and private life.

Discussing ways your experiences are similar or different with regard to the impact of organizational and social trends on HR policy

Organizations become universal in their operations and markets. There will be an increase in political and societal pressures and accountability. Use of technology will increase at a higher rate; work will be more composite and mutually dependent, people will be more mobile and global in nature leading to an increase in workforce migration (Ulrich 2013). There is also the likelihood of an increase in a mismatch between skills needed and talent available, there will be cultural diversity and more work will be done in a more diverse way.

Consider whether what might appear at first to be a serious problem for HR leaders could, with the right policy development, be leveraged into an opportunity for the organization and its staff.

The aging population will present an opportunity for HR to hire new talents, control different expectations, retooling skilfulness, progression preparation and phased leaving (Bamberger Biron & Meshhoulam 2014). Globalization will help employees to be diverse, integrative, produce high performance and become customer focused. They will also increase perfect communication networks. It will also assist HR managers to design and develop flexible work arrangements, leverage technology, and develop value-added work systems

HR Response to Organizational and Social Trends Bibliography

Bamberger, P.A., Biron, M. and Meshoulam, I., 2014. Human resource strategy:                                Formulation, implementation, and impact. Routledge.

Bratton, J. and Gold, J., 2012. Human resource management: theory and practice.            Palgrave Macmillan.

Schmidt, A., 2013. The implications of flexible work: Membership in organizations            revisited. management revenue, pp.179-198. (Schmidt, 2013)

Sanchez-Apellaniz, M. and Triguero-Sánchez, R., 2016. New Trends in Leveraging  Workforce Diversity through Human Resource Management                 Initiatives. Handbook of Research on Race, Gender, and the Fight for                 Equality, p.360.

Ulrich, D., 2013. Human resource champions: The next agenda for adding value and       delivering results. Harvard Business Press.