Analyzing Perspectives and Impact of HRM on Productivity and Performance

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major theoretical perspectives of HRM

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

Analyse major theoretical perspectives of HRM evaluating how this shapes the perspective and the role of HR.

Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

Undertake analytical review of models, compare and contrast different perspectives

What am I required to do in this assignment?

Group presentation (20 minutes) and Individual report (1,500 words) You will be required to research and critically evaluate the alignment of an organisation’s business and HR strategies and assess the impact this has on the level of productivity and performance. Presentations will be undertaken as a group, but each group member will also include an individual report of the presentation, to demonstrate their individual understanding. The presentation and individual report will both be worth 50% of this assessment grade.

The idea that ‘best practices’ in Human Resource Management can be identified and should be implemented has been influential. Those who advocate this idea often argue that all HR managers should look carefully at how HRM is practiced in the most successful and fastest growing global companies with a view to adopting the same approaches in their own organisations. The assumption is that there is a recipe of effective HRM that is used in these organisations, and which helps explain their success. It follows that its adoption in any organisation will enhance their chances of enjoying sustained competitive advantage over time.

1. Drawing on research and examples of organisational practice explain how far you agree with this way of thinking about HRM. Justify your answer. AND
2. How far does an organisation you have researched or worked for take a ‘best practice approach’ to HRM? Illustrate your answer with examples.

What do I need to do to pass?

• Analyse the internal and external context of an organisation using appropriate analytic tools and demonstrating an awareness of the impact of various contextual factors on the development of the role of HR, HR strategies and practices
• Analyse the evolving role and objectives of the HR function in different contexts and its contribution to the change management agenda and business success.
• Evaluate the vertical and horizontal alignment of HR strategies assessing the impact on organisational performance.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

To achieve a good grade in this assignment, you need to consider the following.

Avoid excessive description and provide a critical analysis of the “best practice” approach.

Your assignment should be succinct, relevant and well-structured.

Your assignment has more than one part to it so make sure you answer all the parts comprehensively.

Do not only rely on lecture notes for your assignments - go back to original sources. Evidence of wide reading will gain better marks.

Use references accurately.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

This assignment will give you an opportunity to review and critique academic research and organisational practice and examine the way different HR models can be applied to people management. It will also help you to better understand the relationship between people resourcing and development and organisational performance.

As this assignment also requires you to compare different models of HRM you will be able to practice weighing up alternative approaches based on your understanding of theory and practice and make suggestions accordingly. This will help you to develop both your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria as set out below.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.