WGU C232 Study Guide Graded A+

What role does the planning function of human resource management play within organizations? - Strategic and short & medium range planning Align human resources with strategic mission of organization What role does the staffing function of human resource management play within organizations? - Recruiting and selection of people with the needed skills of jobs within the organization What are the types of employee compensation? - Direct and indirect What is the role of performance appraisals? - Measure and monitor employee performance How does HRM enhance human potential? - Through training and development HRM's work on improving the workplace environment focuses what two environments? - Physical and psychological What must management be aware of in order to maintain effective work relationships? - Employee rights What impact has globalization had on HR practices? - HR policies need international applicability and be cognizant (and inclusive) of other cultures What are the four implicit HR objectives? - Improve productivity Improve quality of work life Ensure legal compliance Foster ethical behavior How can HR managers make a significant contribution toward productivity improvements? - Work organization-processes/distribution organization of work design Work design-contents, methods, and relationships among jobs How do organizations improve the quality of work life? How have employees' attitudes regarding involvement with their work shifted? - Greater involvement in work-enjoy more autonomy and chance to have inputWhy is it important that HR mangers and personnel be familiar with the laws and regulations? - Protect employees, protect organizaiton, and avoid liability Define the term "moral philosophy." - Principles, rules, and values people use when deciding what is right or wrong How can HR professionals create a culture where ethical behavior is encouraged? - Create a positive work environment Hiring ethical individuals Provide ethical training Labeling and modeling ethical behavior Creating a well-defined code of ethics Establishing a open-door policy Providing an employee assisntance program Define the term "business ethics." - Values and principles used to decide whether the collective behavior of an organization's members is appropriate What are the six major trends have been identified as influencing the work environment? - Increased competition Costs and benefits associated with HR utilization Productivity changes (changes in technology, capital investment, economic changes, capital utilization, outsourcing, and government policies Internal Environment: Define "culture" and identify who shapes an organization's culture. - Organization's value system-identified people's values and assumptions about their willingness to work, their ethics, and the way they should be treated Internal Environment: Define technology. - Equipment and knowledge used to produce goods and services Internal Environment: How does technology influence an organization's structure? - Technology can influence how jobs are borken down and the overall heirarchy--flat versus vertical Internal Environment: Organizational size is an important factor in determining ________________. - HR activities Internal Environment: How does the economy influence HR activities? - Strong economy=tight labor market (low unemployment, higher wages, competitive recruitment, and desire for training)Internal Environment: How does international competition influence HR activities? - Changes in laws (tariff, NAFTA, import/export), foreign labor forces, and economic developments force competitiveness Define the term "SWOT". - Strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats--strengths and weakness are internal to the organization and things we can control; opportunities and threats are external to the organization and things we cannot control What is the purpose of a SWOT analysis? - play to strengths, moderate weaknesses, make the most of opportunities, and manage or eliminate threats What are the six HR competencies? - Provide transformational leadership Collaborate and resolve strategic challenges within the firm Encourage real employee invovlement Empower and facilitate learning as well as change and decision making Maintain a global business perspective HR Characteristics: What knowledge of the Business and Industry must an HR professional possess? - Firms business objectives, training in strategic planning, in-depth understanding of financial statements, familiarity with sales, marketing, and production techniques; and technological proficiency HR Characteristics: Why is important for an HR professional to have an understanding of the economy? - Understanding of labor market fluctuations, compensation strategy, and expectations of advising the firm