Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations.

Assignment Brief

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations.

• Understand how HR objectives are delivered in different organisations.

• Understand how the HR function can be evaluated in terms of value added and organisation performance.

• Understand the relationship between organisational performance and effective HR management and development.

Assessment brief/activity

You are required to provide written answers to all five of the questions below.

Question 1

Give examples of the main organisational objectives that the HR function is responsible for delivering and briefly explain how these have evolved/are evolving in contemporary organisations. In your answer, provide a brief justification for managing HR in a professional, ethical and just manner.

Question 2

Give a brief summary of two different ways HR objectives can be delivered in organisations. Analyse how the HR function varies between organisations in different sectors and of different sizes.

Question 3

Give a short explanation of at least two major theories of change management, and illustrate how they can be used and evaluated.

Question 4

Your CEO has asked for a report on the contribution of the HR function to the business. In preparation for the report, give a brief summary of the criteria and methods available for use in evaluating the HR function’s contribution.

Question 5

In consultation with your tutor, select an article that identifies and evaluates research evidence linking HR practices with positive organisational outcomes. Briefly summarise the findings and state how convincing you find these to be. Conclude by explaining how high-performance working and investment in human capital can impact on organisational practice.