Reference no: EM132962391

QUESTION ONE John Storey makes a distinction between the "hard" and "soft" approaches to human resource management.

(a) Discuss the principal characteristics of the "hard" approach, and indicate, with reasons, the kind of organization for which a predominantly "hard" model of HRM would be appropriate.

(b) Discuss the principal characteristics of the "soft" approach, and indicate, with reasons, the kind of organization for which a predominantly "soft" model of HRM would be appropriate.

QUESTION TWO

One of the most crucial issues affecting organizational performance is the poor contribution made by some employees - often people in senior executive roles - and disruption caused by unacceptable levels of employee absence," says a conference speaker. She goes on: "Yet many businesses don't tackle these issues, or do so in such a half-hearted way that they might just as well not have bothered."

What strategies should an effective organization put in place in order to prevent and resolve any potential problems associated with the poor performance of individual employees.

QUESTION THREE

In Management Today, Luleti investment stated that about 10-15% of the people in any organization are likely to be outstanding. At the other extreme will be the 5-10% who present serious performance and attitude problems. The rest - around 80% of the total - will be working at an acceptable level, but will often be neglected simply because managers will concentrate on the outstanding and the inadequate.

(a) Explain and justify the HRM strategies that an organization may pursue in order to retain and motivate the 80% of its acceptable employees.

(b) Discuss the reasons why a 'flexible' workforce and culture are an important advantage for organizations.