Managing Human Resource: Understanding Hard and Soft HRM Approaches

Managing Human Resource

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Definition of concepts of Hard and soft HRM.............................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION
The human resource can be managed by making the the the perfect policies and procedures for
the organization according to which the organizational activities will be managed and run-ned
successfully. The organizations must have the competitive advantages by which they can make
the reputation and image of the their organization in the market. This good image will attract
more and more consumes towards the purchase of the products of the organization. The
performances of the employees in the organization are also evaluated under the human resource
management system. The performances of the employees are based on the benefits and resources
which they receive from the organization. The resources are used by the employees to work more
efficiently and effectively in the organization.
The Unilever is the top manufacturing company in the world. Its headquarter is
established in the London, United Kingdom and it deals in the transnational consumers goods
which are consumed by their consumers globally. It is a public lusted company run ned Lever
Brothers.
MAIN BODY
Definition of concepts of Hard and soft HRM
Human resource management can be defined as a strategic approach and framework that
is being used for an effective management in an organization. To motivate and perform all
activities which can manage workforce in a manner by which they can support the company in
accomplishing their goals (Rahman, Tabassum and Sultana, 2017). For an effective management
and accomplishing this purpose, HR plays several functions which includes: Hiring, selecting,
compensation, motivation, training, workplace safety, rewards etc. It can be more described is a
detail manner by its 2 distinct forms such as: Soft and Hard HRM.
Soft HRM: This approach includes all those functions and activities which provides
guidance and self direction. The focus of this approach is on individual and increasing their trust
with the company. Companies who adopt and follow this approach, they treat their employees as
the most important asset as without them organizational success can not done. They also try to
satisfy their employees before satisfying customers. They think that employees' satisfaction is the
key of success which is directly linked with customers' satisfaction. These type of organizations
also integrate employees' needs into their long-term organizational strategy. It is relationship
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oriented whose main purpose is to stay employees and customers with the company for the long
run.
Importance: Some key benefits of using soft HRM are described as below:
The main advantage of this concept of HRM is increased loyalty and trust among
employees. HR performs several functions as per this approach such as hiring, training,
motivation, rewarding, performance appraisal etc. Highly motivated employees live with the
company which increases brand image of the company. Democratic leadership style is other
main feature of this approach. According to this style, employers give opportunities to all
employees to take active participate in decision-making process which increase their critical
thinking skills and feel them valued (Verma and et.al., 2018). Other main characteristic is
increased satisfaction of customer as when employees feel respected and valued by employers
then they give their extra efforts in accomplishing company's goals which lead satisfaction of
customers. Open communication, friendly environment, highly motivation are some features of
this soft HRM.
Limitations: For motivating employees there is a requirement for the company to invest
more in employees' development programs like training programmes, wages increment etc.
Other main disadvantage of this approach is it may delay in decision-making process and lead
errors in decision-making process. When all employees are given equal chance in decision-
making process then existing and experienced employees feel demotivated.
Example: Darla is the best example who follows soft HRM approach. It is an organization who
works for accounting firm. It can be said that, this Darla organization conduct a monthly team
meeting with its accounting department and share all details and news about the company. They
do not only give informations but also ask some suggestions and feedback for more improving
activities and motivate employees (Example of the company follows soft HRM, 2019).
Hard HRM: Hard HRM is just opposite of soft HRM. In this approach, HR and manager
mainly focuses on performance management and rationalism of strategic fit. Those organizations
who do not focuses on making employee friendly human resource management system are
consider as following hard HRM. In other words it can say that the company who adopts Hard
HRM system and approaches are task oriented rather than relationship. The main purpose of
these type of organizations is to get the work done only from employees. It is the way of looking
and treating employees and specifically their policies for employees.
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