Human Resource Management
(MANB414) - Descriptive Answers
UNIT 1: Conceptualization & Fundamentals
Q1. Define Human Resource Management. Discuss its objectives, nature, and
scope.
Human Resource Management (HRM) is the art and science of acquiring, developing,
utilizing, and retaining a workforce to achieve organizational goals. It involves strategic
planning and implementation of policies related to recruitment, training, compensation,
performance, and employee relations.
Objectives of HRM:
- Effective Utilization of Human Resources
- Employee Development
- Job Satisfaction
- Maintaining Industrial Peace
- Legal Compliance
Nature of HRM:
- People-Oriented
- Pervasive Function
- Continuous Process
- Goal-Oriented
- Multidisciplinary
Scope of HRM:
- Human Resource Planning
- Recruitment & Selection
- Training & Development
- Compensation Management
- Performance Management
- Industrial Relations
- Health, Safety & Welfare
Q2. Explain the functions of Human Resource Management.
HRM functions can be divided into Managerial and Operative functions.
A. Managerial Functions:
- Planning
- Organizing
- Staffing
- Directing
- Controlling
B. Operative Functions:
- Recruitment and Selection
- Training and Development
- Wage and Salary Administration
- Performance Appraisal
- Employee Welfare
- Labor Relations
- Separation
Q3. Differentiate between Personnel Management and Human Resource
Management.
| Basis | Personnel Management | Human Resource Management |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Approach | Traditional and administrative | Strategic and developmental |
| Focus | Employee welfare | Organizational goals |
| Nature | Reactive | Proactive |
| Scope | Narrow | Broad |
| Responsibility | HR department only | Managers at all levels |
| Motivation Tools | Monetary | Both monetary and non-monetary |
| Decision-making | Centralized | Decentralized |
Q4. Explain the concepts and functions of HRM.
Concept of HRM:
HRM is the effective use of human capital to achieve organizational success by integrating
HR planning, staffing, training, performance, and reward systems.
Functions of HRM:
- Procurement: Planning, Recruitment, Selection, Induction
- Development: Training, Development, Appraisal, Career Planning
- Compensation: Job Evaluation, Salary Administration
- Integration: Motivation, Job Satisfaction, Welfare, Grievances
- Maintenance: Health, Safety, Labor Relations
- Strategic: HR Policy, Change Management, Strategic Alignment
Q5. What is the role of corporate-level HR strategies in an organization?
Corporate-level HR strategies align HR activities with business goals. They focus on:
- Aligning HR with Vision & Mission
- Workforce Planning
- Talent Management
- Change Management
- Performance Culture
- Diversity & Inclusion
Q6. What are the key challenges in HRM today?
Key Challenges:
- Globalization
- Technological Change
- Workforce Diversity
- Talent Retention
- Legal Compliance
- Work-life Balance
- Managing Remote Work
Q7. Discuss the role of HR managers in modern organizations.
Modern HR managers play multiple roles:
- Strategic Partner: Aligning HR with business strategy
- Change Agent: Driving transformation
- Administrative Expert: Ensuring efficiency
- Employee Advocate: Focusing on engagement and welfare
- Cultural Ambassador: Promoting organizational values
- Talent Developer: Career planning and succession management
