Human Resources Management Techniques I

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Questions and Answers

Which model of human resource management is also known as the matching model or best-fit approach?

Michigan Model (correct)

Contingency Model

Systems Model

Harvard Model

What is a key feature of the Michigan Model?

Focus on employee satisfaction

Recognition of multiple stakeholders

Development of transformative policies

Emphasis on recruitment and selection (correct)

Which leadership style is primarily associated with the Michigan Model?

Transformational leadership

Autocratic leadership (correct)

Servant leadership

Democratic leadership

What does the Harvard Model emphasize in human resource management?

Soft HRM policies and employee engagement Signup and view all the answers

In the Michigan Model, employees are viewed primarily as what?

Resources to be managed Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the Harvard Model of HRM?

Michael Beer Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is prioritized in the Michigan Model's approach to HRM?

Cost reduction and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What does the Harvard Model recognize about stakeholders?

Various multiple stakeholders exist within the organization Signup and view all the answers

What defines a system in the context of management?

An organized collection of parts working towards a common goal. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key premise of General Systems Theory?

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Signup and view all the answers

Which analogy is used to explain the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts?

Baking a cake from various ingredients. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of HRM, what does the term 'sociotechnical system' refer to?

The combination of technology and interpersonal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) within an organization according to the systemic approach?

HRM is a central subsystem that interacts with and influences the technology and social systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a model in the context of HRM?

A prototype representing how HRM can function. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant output of a well-functioning organizational system?

Accomplishing the overall desired goal for the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'input' refer to in the context of a system?

Resources and information entering the system for processing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Resources Management Techniques I

Professor: Zulema Nacimiento, PhD.
University: University of Huelva
Unit: 0-2

Unit 0-2: The Systemic Approach and HRM Models

This unit focuses on the systemic approach to HRM and various models within the subject.

What is a System?

A system is a set of interconnected, separate elements working towards a common goal.
A system (or subsystem) is an organized collection of parts which are integrated in order to accomplish a larger overall goal.
Systems have inputs, processed through certain steps, to create outputs which combine to meet the desired goal.

General Systems Theory (GST or ST)

Outlined by Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968).
GST's premise: complex systems share organizing principles which can be modeled mathematically.
GST aims to create a general theory explaining all systems in all fields of science.
It became a paradigm.
The basic idea of Systems Theory: 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' A classic example is baking a cake: combining ingredients creates a cake whereas each ingredient on its own is not a cake.

The Organization as an Open System

Organizations are open systems, meaning they interact with their environments.
Inputs: Raw materials, human resources, capital, technology, and information.
Transformation Process: Employees' work activities, management activities, technology, and operations methods.
Outputs: Products/services, financial results, information, and human results.
Feedback: The cycle that adjusts the system based on inputs and outputs.

The Organization as a Sociotechnical System

Organizations are combinations of technology (tasks, equipment) and the social system (interpersonal relationships).
The two systems constantly interact and influence each other.

HRM as a Central Subsystem in an Enterprise

HRM is a crucial subsystem in any organization.
HRM is connected to other subsystems, such as product subsystems, financial subsystems, and marketing subsystems.

Models of HRM

Models in HRM are prototypes that represent reality.
In HRM, there are two well-known models: The Michigan Model and the Harvard Model.

HRM Models: The Michigan Model

Also known as the 'matching model' or 'best-fit' approach.
Developed at the Michigan Business School by Fornbun, Tichy & Devanna in 1984.
The model prioritizes a tight fit between HR strategies and the overall business strategies.
Emphases the importance of business strategy and ‘matching’ employees to business needs.
The HR cycle includes recruitment & selection, performance, rewards and development & training.
Focuses on hard HRM (cost-effectiveness, short-term focus, and autocratic leadership styles).

-Advantages: -Cost-effective -Minimal investment in employee development or training -Faster decision-making at the senior management level

-Disadvantages: - Demotivating for employees - High staff absenteeism and turnover due to employee dissatisfaction - Ineffective recruitment practices - Inappropriate consideration of stakeholder interests
Key Principles: Emphasizes the human resource cycle: recruitment & selection, performance & monitoring, rewards, and development & training

HRM Models: The Harvard Model

Referred to as 'the map of HRM territory'.
Postulated by Beer in 1984 at Harvard University.
Recognizes the existence of multiple stakeholders in an organization.
Focuses on soft HRM (employee participation, long-term view, and democratic leadership style).

-Advantages: - Employee participation, empowerment, and commitment - High productivity and a strong employee-employer relationship - Improved communication and teamwork - Equal opportunities for all individuals

-Disadvantages: - High cost of training for employees - Wage increases to maintain competitiveness - Slower decision-making process
HRM is viewed as a set of policy choices (reward/work systems).
Focus is on organizational performance and employee well-being.
Effective utilization of employees is key.
Long-term focus, employee empowerment, delegated roles, and democratic leadership are prioritized.

Michigan and Harvard Models: Aims

Both models aim to achieve the effective utilization of human resources.
The key goal is enabling the achievement of organizational objectives.

General Systems Theory Summary

Introduced in 1968, it's a base for understanding how organizations function because they are made of interconnected units; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
It clarifies how HR can be a central, critical component needed by organizations for efficiency and success.

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Description

This quiz covers Unit 0-2 of Human Resources Management, focusing on the systemic approach and various HRM models. It explores the definition of a system, General Systems Theory, and the characteristics of complex systems. Prepare to delve into the intricacies of HRM concepts and their applications.