Analyse the differences and similarities between personnel management and human resource management a Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand what is meant by human resource management and personnel management in an organization and how the two impact the growth and development of an organization
- Analyze the similarities and differences between human resource management and personnel management
- Understand how to apply resource management and personnel management to any organization
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The revolutionary nature of human resource management was brought to light by a number of commentators such as Marchington et al, 1992; Storey, 1992; Legge, 1989 and others. A number of them argued against the fact that there exists a difference between personnel management and human resource management. Torrington (1989) clearly stated that personnel management has a number of importances making it a better practice. On the other hand, he notes that human resource management is faced with all-round roles. Important to note that traditional personnel management is inclined to be biased, as it has always endeavored to influence line managers, but Human Resource Management is unified into the role of line managers, and a solid proactive attitude as well as a prejudice to business. This study will provide an analysis of the similarities and differences between personnel management and human resource management.
Human Resource Management refers to the strategic approach used by an organization’s management to procure, develop, and maintain a highly qualified workforce so as to effectively reach their goals and objectives mainly through a distinctive set of integrated employment policies, programs, and practices. According to the resource-based view, human resources contribute immensely to an organization’s sustained competitive advantage by facilitating the development of rare competencies that are only firm-specific. Personnel Management refers to an organization's department that manages employee positions' employment, management, and maintenance. It is a branch of human resources that concentrates on recruiting and selecting potential individuals to occupy a vacant positions and supports existing employees working for the company. It also operates an evaluation tool used in the hiring process that helps an employer understand his employees to ensure that they are satisfied while at work.
What are the similarities and differences between human resources management and personnel management? Both Human Resource Management and personnel management critically put emphasis on the management of people. Still, when analyzed critically they have municipal differences that arise when looking at the nature of relations, leadership and management role, contract of employment and pay policies, and job design among so many others. Personnel management mainly concentrates on activities, such as employee hiring, remunerating, training, and harmony whereas, human resource management focuses primarily on employee welfare which emphasizes that they must be valued and preserved in the course of their employment at an organization.