Unit 22 HRM Strategy in Guest Model Assignment

Unit 22 HRM Strategy in Guest Model Assignment

Introduction

Through HRM strategy in guest model  assignment, the purpose which will be served is to look into various theoretical aspects in addition to practical activities for the modern day human resource management which is considered as a very important source of competitive advantage for the modern day business entities. Apart from the HRM practices various topical legislations and issues related to HRM will also be looked into through this report. In view of the fact that HRM practices are needed to be discussed in conjunction with the theoretical perspectives, the paper will assess the various factors related to the same

Task 1

1.1. Explain Guest’s model of HRM as applied to the organisation of your choice

A model of strategic  human resource management  has been given by Guest (1987) that looks into the basics of the same. The emphasis of this model is on the commitment from and towards the employees. This is the factor which differentiates this model from the traditional models of performance management which had emphasis on the employees’ compliance to the organizational rules (Dessler, 2012). HRM is also considered to be a very important part of the strategic management of the organization that aims to develop as well as maintain the motivation and commitment of the employees for the organizational objective achievement. The model also emphasises on serving the needs of the individual employees apart from managing the entire workforce’s overall requirements. This allows the companies to develop inherent power in HR without losing the flexibility in the human resource processes. This model is dissimilar to PM model and utilizes strategic HRM practices for better overall organizational performances.

The 6 dimensions which are mentioned in the model of HRM by Guest are as following:

• Human resource management strategy,
• Human resource management practices,
• Human resource management outcomes,
• Behaviour outcomes,
• Performance outcomes and
• Financial outcomes.

The company which will be used for the purpose of the discussion for this report is Tesco which is one of the major retail companies in the UK. Tesco has a strategic human resource management model implemented within the company which has helped the HRM department of the company to empower the employees of it sufficiently. The strategic initiatives of this model are implemented from the phase of selection of the employees in view of the fact it is important for the company to select workers who are fully aligned with the organizational and job objectives for the role. Also in spite of being one of the largest companies in its industry, the company has been able to keep the structure flat and culture open. The employees in this system also get opportunities for decision making with guidance from the business leaders. The training and coaching is also given to the employees, which add to the motivational force for them through their professional as well as personal growth. This also helps in achieving better future career opportunities (Keenoy, T., 1990, pp 370).  

1.2. Compare the differences between Storey’s definitions of HRM, personnel and IR practices

Storey’s definitions regarding HRM and PMIR practices help in identifying the differences between these two theoretical structures. The difference which is most significant is the strategic approach as well as impact which are there for HRM as compared to PMIR. HRM has been defined by Storey as the mixture of description, prescription and logical deduction. For comparing the differences between these concepts the organizations which will be used are Tesco and Wal-Mart which are two giants in the UK retail supermarket industry.  Following is the table which shows the difference in the same (Sims, 2006):  

1.3 Assess the implications for line managers and employees of developing a strategic approach to HRM

The strategic approach development for HRM the line managers and the workers of Tesco have been at the receiving end of the various advantages which has helped in sorting out professional issues as well as management of work life balance. This leads to sufficient employee empowerment that starts from the process of selection and recruitment which considers only the workers who are aligned to Tesco’s mission and vision as well as the role for which the selection is being done. Employees get opportunities  decision making  related to operational or strategic roles. The training and coaching is also given to the employees, which add to the motivational force for them through their professional as well as personal growth. This also helps in achieving better future career opportunities (Keenoy, T., 1990, pp 370).

These help in improving the following factors:

• Engagement with the employees,
• Motivation for the employees,
• Empowerment for the employees (Adebayo., 2011, pp 80).

Strategic HRM for Tesco also helps the line managers as they can influence the workers productivity without using coercive power that helps the entire organisation’s performance.

Line managers are also helped through the following:

• Better decision making from the empowered employees for handling of the customers (Mathis, 2008).
• Continuous employee mentoring by the line managers  
• Identification and management of talented employees and extracting better performance by the line managers.

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Task 2

2.1 Explain how a model of flexibility might be applied

Model of flexibility within workplace is a combination of a variety of arrangements which help in making the working conditions more suitable for the workers. Various models of flexibility exist which can be broadly of 2 categories.

• First one has the objective of managing the working hours
• Second one has the objective of managing the patterns of work including split shifts or job sharing etc.

In Tesco a model of flexibility can be developed through modifying the HRM guidelines for it. Some of the options of lesser working hours or part time working as well as completion of total hours of work within a limited number of days etc. need to be present.  Overtime allowances as well as structured pay also needs to be implemented through the following steps (Fuqua, 1993):

• Developing a clearly comprehensible process for the implementation of the same.
• Development of knowledge for the same among workers as well as the provisions of this arrangement.
• Rearrangement of the culture of the organisation to suit the arrangements of flexible working.
• Implementing mechanisms for observing the arrangement and assessing the same for evaluation of this arrangement for flexible working.

2.2 Discuss the types of flexibility which may be developed

In Tesco due to the specific customer facing nature of the business of the company the types of flexibility which may be developed also need to suit the business model of the company. Some of the flexibility types which can be developed for this specific company for enhancing experience of the employee are as following (Adebayo, 2011):

• Lower working hours: As per the effort required for the job roles, the hours of weekly working can be trimmed down for easing the job pressure on the employees that can lead to improvement in the efficiency as well as productivity by the workers. This also helps in giving more free time for workers.
• Part time work: Depending on the life stages of the workers, they ca n avail of  opportunities of part time working for a specified period of months and draw remuneration according to the same. This will help the female employees to manage the work life balance during the critical stages of their lives like child birth etc. and thus augmenting their satisfaction related to the job.
• Flexitime: In this arrangement, the workers can vary their start tine and end time of their working within stipulated limits, which helps them to manage some emergency or personal obligations. This also is very useful for Tesco’s female workforce.
• Compact working week and shift swapping: Workers of Tesco can be given the chance of completing their stipulated working hours per week in fewer working days through working overtime per day. This helps in having more personal time for the employees. This can be complemented by the scope for rescheduling the shifts amongst the peers by them, which will help in effective time management for the workers as well as resource management for Tesco.

2.3 Assess the use of flexible working practices from both the employee and the employer perspective

For the reason that flexible working practice lets the companies to retain various well trained, experienced and skilled employees, this can be very effective and helpful for Tesco. Also it has been seen that a lot of talented female employees leave their jobs due to commitments in the family and personal space. A significant part of this segment of people can also be catered by the flexible working practices and cultures. In view of the fact that these activities not only satisfy the employees but also motivate them and increase the front line staffs’ productivities, Tesco will benefit from the same immensely. The crunch of good workers in the retail industry is a well known factor and this can solve the problem for Tesco (Adebayo, 2011).

On the other hand as far as the employees are concerned, they are immensely benefited through the enhanced balance in the work and personal which brings happiness and satisfaction to their lives and works. They can also give themselves more time for the personal and professional development as they get relaxed work life balance (Fuqua, 1996). Hence a confirmation can be given that for Tesco as well as other companies, the practices for flexible working are advantageous for the employer as well as the employees.

2.4 Discuss the impact that changes in the labour market have had on flexible working practices

Labour market can be deified as the aggregation of various available employees for the purpose of selection by any organization. Due to the increasing propensity of quick change of jobs as part of the  labour market  dynamics, the companies like Tesco need to ensure that they add something valuable to the employees for retaining them. One of such conditions is the practices of flexible working for workers which can cater to the requirements of the employees as well as organisation (Davidson, 2006). The arrangement of flexible working needs to be implemented by Tesco as a result of (Keenoy, 1990):

• Increased weight age towards employee opinion for retirement plans.
• Support for part time working arrangement as part of the flexible retirement arrangements.
• At least 6 months of notice period previous to the termination of the employee contracts.

Few of the companies also wasted a significant amount of resources for needless execution of arrangements for flexible working as a result of the pressure felt from the labour market (Davidson, 2006).

Task 3

3.1 Explain the forms of discrimination that can take place in the workplace using examples of recent discrimination cases which has made the news

Employment discrimination happens due to multiple reasons leading to differential roles or rewards and recognitions as well as remunerations. As seen in the recent workplace discrimination cases, some of the most recognizable forms of the same are as following (Keenoy, 1990):

• Discrimination as a result individual’s race
• Discrimination as a result of the gender of the individuals
• Discrimination as a result of the individual’s religious views/religion
• Discrimination as a result of the disability of the individuals
• Discrimination as a result of the individual’s sexual orientation
• Discrimination as a result of the age of the individuals

Due to the multinational nature of Tesco, the chance of various race or religious views related discrimination is high which are essentially form of demographic characteristic based discriminations (Brewster, 2005). Examples have been seen in carious recent cases related to Microsoft in which, in 2015, a group of African-American and Hispanic employees working at Virginia franchises of McDonald’s, claimed that the franchisor as well as the franchisee was committing acts of discrimination basis race and gender at the restaurants. It was confirmed that these people were harassed as well as wrongfully terminated from their jobs. Apart from this, there are also overwhelming number of recent evidences of discrimination basis sexual orientation of the employees.

3.2 Discuss the practical implications of equal opportunities legislation for an organization

Equal opportunity arrangements ensure that people with different demographic features get same chances for performing their jobs without any difference in employment or remuneration. Discrimination in employment is prohibited by The Equality Act 2010 which also ensures that all employees get same or similar training despite any difference in any of the following characteristics: age, gender reassignment, disability, marriage, pregnancy, civil partnership, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation (Oxford, 2011).

This legislation prohibits any discrimination within companies for workers with regard to provision of training and education, employment opportunities, provision of training and education, reward and growth opportunities etc.  The equal opportunities legislation ensures that HRM practices of Tesco as well as other organizations are aligned to the same with respect to eh countries in which they are operating. Companies need to be compliant with the guidelines without fail. Failing this may lead to losing license of operation and hence immediate modification to HRM policies are mandated by these guidelines. Tesco will require designing a range of stringent guidelines for external as well as internal stakeholders for ensuring that there is no case of workplace discrimination against the employees.  

3.3 Compare the approaches to managing equal opportunities and managing diversity

Equal opportunities ensure people with varied characteristics get similar or same chance for performing their tasks without any differential remuneration or employment in the company. Diversity management uses and utilizes the diverse group of employees with utmost competence for the organizational effectiveness. Some approaches for equal opportunity management and diversity management starts with a string of internal guidelines which are needed to be complemented through the culture and behavior of the organization which is set from the time of recruitment of the new employees. These also require development and training, knowledge management, information dissemination etc.

Approaches used by Tesco for managing equal opportunities as well as diversity are helped by the strict guidelines for discouraging any discriminatory act. If the guidelines are violated willingly the employee is terminated. In terms of the vendors or franchisors, the contract with them is terminated by the company. Some of the enablers which are being practiced by the company which helps and enhances the process of implementation of the above mentioned internal guidelines include the following:

• The HRM department of Tesco ensures that all the internal stakeholders of the company clearly understand the policies and procedures as well as other important information regarding the equal opportunity or diversity management. Various training and development activities are carried out for overcoming cultural and language barriers.
• The employees of the company are considered to be individuals, which help in avoiding stereotypes which can be positive as well as negative. Employees are also encouraged to work in diverse groups which help the employees to value other employees as individuals.

Task 4

4.1 Select an organisation you work or have worked for, identify and compare the performance management methods used

The discussion on performance management methods for Tesco can be classified broadly into 2 types of activities for performance management.

• Continuous evaluation: This is done by the employees themselves and helps in improving their performance. Discussion is also carried out with the line managers for the same.
• Annual evaluation: This is done once in a year and includes the following:
  • Appraisal through the balanced scorecard,
  • Appraisal by the seniors like line managers and group heads,
  • Appraisal by the peers and colleagues.

The continued performance management process helps the employees to track their achievements through various tools like performance dashboards, management information systems etc. The discussion and frequent feedback sessions which take place as part of this with the line managers is also helpful for immediate course correction by workers for improving their effort or productivity for better output of the performance. The annual performance management is usually for giving out rewards and recognitions to the workers. These are done by:

• Balanced Scorecard: Employees’ performances are measured on the following parameters
  • financial standpoint,
  • customer service standpoint,
  • business process management standpoint and
  • learning standpoint.  
• Peer evaluation: This gives a 360 degree unbiased of review performances.
• Evaluation by the seniors:

The continuous performance review and measurement is more effective in terms of enhancing the skills and performance output of the employees.

4.2 Assess the approaches used to managing employee welfare in your organization

The factors which are covered within the entire process of employee welfare include the following factors offered to employees by the employer:

• A range of services,
• A variety of benefits and
• An assortment of facilities.

Tesco has employee welfare and benefits mechanism which start with the normal benefits and perks like  health care  insurance, life risk insurance, as well as childcare benefits for the workers of the company who are eligible. Tesco also has an employee helpline which extends assistance for the employees as well as their families in terms of a range of local as well as state assistance programs.

Short and long leaves apart from the statutory holidays are also given to the employees one they are eligible for the same after spending a specific amount of time with Tesco. Sabbaticals for pursuing higher education are also given to the eligible employees which effectively are a longer leave without the pay and a commitment of resuming the job after the course (Lebas, 1995). Some other factors include gym memberships, shift allowances, overtime pays, free transportation etc. These approaches for managing welfare of the employees are quite employee friendly and hence effective.

4.3 Discuss the implications of health and safety legislation on human resources practices

There are various legislations in terms of health and safety of the workers and working conditions. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is one of the most important  health and safety legislation  and this act which is termed as HASAW or HSW, is the main health and safety legislation in the UK. It confirms that all the employers have the duty to make sure in a reasonably practicable manner that the safety, health, as well as welfare of the employees at the work are maintained. The legislation of health and safety for the workers controlling the various issues and guidelines related to standards of occupational safety and health also influences the HRM practices of Tesco in view of the fact that there are various employees in the company who work in the manufacturing plants of the company and retail stores. Hence the company needs to implement the health standards and safety criteria at the workplace strictly. This leads to use of resources for implementing mechanisms for preventing fatal or non-fatal accidents as well as injuries within the workplace. In case of non compliance, the company may have to pay high penalty or face loss of license.

4.4 Evaluate the impact of another topical issue on human resources practices

Retention of the experienced employee is one of the very important issue for the modern day companies in the retail industry and hence Tesco. In view of the fact that the horizon of the workers and labor markets are expanding due to the increasing size of global labor market in addition to globalization, the presentation of talents is a very important factor and the HRM department needs to be well cognizant of the same and practice the same for keeping the well trained and experienced employees in the company. One of the major factor which is important for the same is the effective communication within the organization which helps the employees is being informative about the future plans as well as strategy of the company as a whole. In view of the fact that through this the senior management can communicate the mission as well as vision of the company to the mid and lower level of employees, this helps them in having more alignment with the company. Also the strategic human resource managementmodel needs to be implemented within the company that can help the HRM department of the company to empower the employees of it sufficiently, which is an important factor in employee retention. The strategic initiatives of this model need implemented from the phase of selection of the employees in view of the fact it is important for the company to select workers who are fully aligned with the organizational and job objectives for the role. This leads to increased chance of employees staying with the company for long. A flat structure and open culture also helps the cause as the employees in this system also get opportunities for decision making with guidance from the business leaders. The training and coaching is also given to the employees, which add to the motivational force for them through their professional as well as personal growth. This also helps in achieving better future career opportunities (Keenoy, T., 1990, pp 370).  

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Conclusion

In this paper, the purpose which has been served is to look into various theoretical aspects in addition to practical activities for the modern day human resource management which is considered as a very important source of competitive advantage for the modern day business entities. Apart from the HRM practices various topical legislations and issues related to HRM has also been looked into through this report. In view of the fact that HRM practices are needed to be discussed in conjunction with the theoretical perspectives, the paper has been able to assess the various factors related to the same.

References

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