Running head: HR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HR Roles and Responsibilities
Milton Maricle
Human Resource Management MGT/431
March 14, 2010
Bobbi Weinberger
HR Roles and Responsibilities
“Human Resource Management is the organizational function that deals with issues related to people such as compensation, hiring, performance management, organization development, safety, wellness, benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration, and training” (Heathfield, n.d., p. 1). Armed with the basic understanding of human resources management, the roles of HR are changing in today’s business environment. Trends in globalization require the department to provide flexible work arrangements. In addition, technological advances and the introduction of e-business cause organizations to require new skills from potential and current employees. Diversity and ethical considerations by HRM must include practices that create unbiased organizational cultures.
Trends in Globalization
Globalization affects HRM through a change in staffing requirements, labor force markets, and planning strategies. Companies may outsource non-core positions to host countries in many service, manufacturing, and production industries. The global organizations require leaner core staffs by using part-time or contractual workers to reduce costs and increase profitability. Flexibility of work schedules and job assignments become concerns. “As more people seek employment through less traditional work arrangements, flexibility becomes vital and organizations that seek a competitive edge must offer working arrangements that evolve around changing employee needs” (Stavrou, 2010, p. 892). However, the company must ensure staffing to meets the needs of the organization. For example, an organization with global operations requires management at all times and shifts. Night shifts require the organization to search for applicants that can excel in nocturnal work life...