Human Resource Management Practices at River Island

This assignment analyzes various aspects of human resource management (HRM) within the context of River Island. It examines the implementation of the Guest model, the role of line managers, the importance of flexibility in HRM practices, and the impact of health and safety legislation on HR policies. Additionally, it explores the implications of e-recruitment for modern HR strategies.

Topical issues on managing human
resources

Introduction
This assignment is about the human resource management and the practices used by them
for the success of the company. The management conducts all the business operation to recruit
the best selected candidate to maintain the peace and harmony in the company. Firstly, Guest
model is explained in which the human resource and other aspects are covered that are required
for the effective management are considered and explained in detail while considering the
organization in it. Another aspect that is discussed in this assignment is the importance flexibility
and its implementation in the company. Flexibility is the concept that has gain weightage over
few years and it is important that it is implemented in an effective manner in the company.
Another aspect that human resource has to deal with is the avoidance of discrimination in the
company. It is also important that equal opportunity and managing of the diversity be practiced
in the correct manner in the company that is also discussed in this report. Last and the final
concept that is health, safety and welfare of the employees in the workplace and how employers
takes necessary initiative in that context in the company and also e- recruitment is also evaluated.

Task 1
1.1. Explain Guest’s model of HRM as applied to the organization of your choice.
Guest model of human resource management has various parameters that are used for the
purpose of analysis for the better and effective management of human resource in the
organizations. The various analysis dimensions are human resource strategy, outcomes, and
practices. Also there is behavioral, financial and performance outcomes. There are various
polices that are made which are in relation to recruitment, selection, system used in rewards,
communications and many other (Guest, 2011). All the management strategy is made in
accordance with it. This model is implemented in the company called River Island that is UK
based brand of fashion which runs its working around the globe. This company is a private
company that is owned by family of Lewis. This guest model is applied in the River Island in a
way that is explained below-
Human resource strategy- Strategy in this company is done on the basis on the talent that is
encompasses by the staff. So company would hire those staff that are talented in there designated
working so that effective result may be encompasses by the company.
Human resource outcomes- This is based on the matter like the staff of the River Island
encompass the quality of commitment as well as flexibility towards the company. Policies are
required to be made in a way that would increase the system of communication among the
employees.
Human resource practices- The practices used in the company are in accordance with all the
rules and regulations that are required for the better working of the staff in the company.
Behavioral- The behavior of the employees in relation to the working are in all focus about the
sufficient outcomes from the employees. The behavior of the employees is good that causes a
good outcome for the company.

Financial- The financial result of the company is significant that is only possible due to the best
outcomes of the human resource in the best staffing strategy.
Performance outcomes- The performance of the company is significant over a long period of
time that shows that human resources of the company are working significantly.
1.2 Choosing two organizations of your choice compare the differences between Storey’s
definitions of HRM, personnel and IR practices.
Willmort Dixon and Wates are two UK based company that are engaged in the business of
construction. Both are the well-established private companies that are running its operation in an
effective manner. According to Storey’s definition industrial relations means the relationship and
the interaction among the employees and employers of the company. Personnel are the main
employees of the company that are active in the working and providing outcomes for the
organizations. In relation to HRM practices there are two forms they are hard and soft HRM. In
the Hard HRM employees are treated and considered as a cost as well only market issues are
considered (Al, 2012). On the other hand the soft HRM is the practice in which employees are
treated as resources and there issues are given the priority.
In the Willmort Dixon hard HRM is used in which it treat its employees as a cost and market
issues are focused. It manages its company with the control and following all the compliances.
Whereas Wates is the company that uses the soft HRM practices in the company as they treat its
employees as a resource and perform the entire task by considering them in an effective manner.
They try to make there employee committed towards their work with no external pressure. They
also work with the cooperation among the employees and enhance the team work that is essences
of the success of every company in the world. With this soft HRM approach company would be
able to work more accurately and complications or non-friendly environment arises that occurs
in the Hard HRM in the Willmort Dixon Company( Sanders & Yang, 2016).
Personnel management is regarded as an administrative function which helps the business
entity to organize all the activities in effective manner. Under personnel management, it is
crucial for the business entity to maintain effective relationship between employers and

employees. However, on the other hand Industrial practices shows effective terms and
relationships amid organizational employers and workers.
Personnel management helps in managing all the practices of business entities which
underpins the work aspects of Human Resource Management. This is also crucial for the purpose
of managing employee interest in the organization. According to Storey, the definition of HRM
has changed a lot for the past 100 years. Earlier HRM was related to management of
organizational work practices; however currently HRM is concerned with retaining the interest
of employees so that they can assist in contributing greater efforts to the organizational
development.

1.3 Assess the implications for line managers and employees of developing a strategic
approach to HRM for any organization of your choice.
Line manager are the lower level managers who managers the working of the employees and
they are more focused on the working of the employees and reporting the same to the higher
authorities in the company. There are many functions that are carried out by the line managers as
they are the important resources for all the company as they are the one who handles and derived
outcomes from the employees in an effective and efficient manner.
There are certain responsibilities of the line managers in the River Island Company. They are
responsible managing the various operations, quality checking of the employee, leadership
criteria and many others aspects that are required for the better working of the organization.
There are various implication involved with the line managers like there are changes in the
management policies, style of leadership or the person who leads the company then the line
managers has to change all its working style so that effective working may be effective in the
River Island company. Apart from that employees are also held certain implications like thereat
in the security in the job or remuneration that is granted to them or the other incentives that may
affect the working of the employees due to the change in the strategic approach of the River
Island Company (Figueiredo et.al, 2016).

Task 2
2.1 Explain how a model of flexibility might be applied in your organization.
Flexibility is the working criteria that would help in the effective working of the organization
from starting to the end. The flexibility is defined as a way through which the work is conducted
from the employees by the managers in an effective and efficient manner so that work balance is
created that would result in the effective growth of the organization. There various models
constructed by various theorist that define the flexibility in a better and effective manner. Easy
jet is regarded as the largest UK based Airline Company operating business in competitive
market place. According to the Taylor model in relation to the flexibility, employees are required
to be working in an effective and effective manner so that the results may be derived for the
better management of the company. Company has taken various aspects in relation to the better
outcomes from the employees as they provide certain guidelines to the employees of the
company along with the necessary details about their performance so that a better and effective
management may be established by the company. Employees are working towards the goal of
becoming the largest company in relation to the airline company of the world. Company has also
leads to many changes in its working so that flexibility in the working may be attained by the
organization that would be beneficial in the long run of the business. Apart from that they try to
become more flexible for the accommodation of the employees in the company so that they do
not prefer to switch off the job as it would become a hard perspective for the company as best
employees would leave the job (Veise et.al, 2014).

2.2 Discuss the types of flexibility which may be developed by your organization.
Many types of elasticity help the business entity to balance their work and diminish the
work pressure of the employees that would help in the increase in the productivity of the
company that would help the company to achieve its goals and aims. Like in the easy jet
company numerical flexibility helps in the better working of the employees. Like the human
resource provide the part time employment to the certain designated employees of the company
such as the security staff who are appointed for the limited time that helps them in the flexibility
in there working. Even company provide training contract to the employees to develop their
personal skills that become effective to reducer the work pressure and helps in the flexibility of
the company. Company also provides seasonal employment at the time of peak season to the
employees. Apart from that numerical functional flexibility is also considered by the company by
enhancing the team work in the company that can easily reduce the work pressure and would be
effective for the long term perspective of the company. But in this type there are certain aspects
that required full consideration before implementing the same to the company management like
working interest of the employees in the designated job, specialist education that can enhance
working and retaining the skills in the company. If all these factors are considered by the
company then there more chances that company can easily implement the functional flexibility
in the company without any difficulty (Akşin et.al, 2015).

2.3 Assess the use of flexible working practices from both the employee and the employer
perspective.
The aspects of Flexibility is crucial that helps the company as well as employees of the
company. In relation to the employees there are various advantages associated in the Easy jet
company like with the flexibility the work pressure reduces that enables the minimizing of the
stress of the employees as well as help them to avoid all the negative thoughts that encompasses
the negative impact of the employee. With the proper management the work is distributed in
such a manner that would help providing balance between work and family as well as in work
and life. It also creates a motivation to the employees to work with more potential in there
working. For the employers there are also benefits associated with it such as employees would be
happy working in the flexible environment that would help in the retaining them in the company
as it would minimize the cost as well as provide importance to the employee’s needs. So it
becomes important that flexibility be implemented in an effective manner in the company. This
helps in recruiting the more effective staff in the Easy jet. It also provides support and motivation
to the employees so that no wrong measures may cause troubles to the company (Beltrán et.al,
2013).

2.4 Discuss the impact that changes in the labor market have had on flexible working
practices.
Labor market flexibility is the situation in which the analysis of the willingness of the
labor to the change in the working conditions and other personal aspects like wages etc.
Company has to formulate the policies and regulation in accordance to the labor market as labor
are the employees who work at the base level in the company and if they are not satisfied with
the changes in any aspects that are related to them then there the productivity of the company
would be reduce that would finally impact the profits of the company. Organization provides
wages to the labors for there working and if they reduce their wages then there may become an
unsettling situation that hamper the working of the organization in an effective manner. In the
current scenario company is required to provide wages that are equilibrium in the market for that
purpose many times company suffer financial disadvantage. Apart from that there is the
existence of the trade union that protects the rights of the labors and if any unfair means are
implemented on them then company would not be able to respond in an effective way. Now days
a proper training session are provided to the labors as there existed flexibility in the company and
its operations so they may adapt to the working criteria of the business in an effective and
efficient (Baumgärtner et.al, 2015).
Labour market situations have been changing from past years and employees are getting
more concerned about work-life balance. This generates the need of flexible working hours and
as a result, changes arise in labour market place. Such changes have a direct impact on
organizational practices. Currently, employees are not ready to mobilize to different places as
they prefer to work in a specific place as well; thus this impacts the company’s practices. In
such situation, it becomes difficult for the business entity to manage the operations of different
countries. Further, because of flexible working hours, labour market has changed a lot and this
brings more transformation in company’s activities.

Task 3
3.1 Explain the forms of discrimination that can take place in the workplace using
examples of recent discrimination cases which has made the news.
In every organization and work place it is important that equal opportunity should be given to the
each and every employee so that no discrimination aspects may arise that may hamper the
reputation and creditability of the organization. It is also important that correct means are used in
the working like ethical concept be adopted by the organization. but then also many
discrimination cases arises in the organization like sexual, racist, gender, disability, employment,
language, pregnancy, caste and many others. Till now these cases arise that affects the
organization and the employees effectively. This discrimination arises due to the stereotype
thinking of certain people and community that affect the whole organization as well as society.
There are many cases that leads to the highlight of this issue like a case held at Starbucks in
which the disability discrimination case arises that affect the women employee termination from
the company. In this case, a woman was discriminated and given less jobs that affected as a
suicidal job for her. She was given less work opportunity that was a clear discrimination that
affected in the work place. Compensation is still not decided by the court but company is
penalized and is ordered to give compensation to the women employee. She claimed that the
company has discriminated her rights due to her disability as she was dyslexic so there is slow
learning from her side but she was willing to perform her task. This all leads to the arisen of the
issue of discrimination (Flint et.al, 2015).

3.2 Discuss the practical implications of equal opportunities legislation for an organization.
It is crucial for the companies to give equal opportunity to the workforce and avoid
discrimination on several aspects. In the view of this River Island has established and followed
all the legislation and rules that constitute the effective working condition for the employees in
the organization. These rights are implemented in an effective manner such as no discrimination
may arise on the basis of race, religion, gender, language disability and all other aspects.
Company has made strong guidelines that if any discrimination arises by the management
towards the staff then they would become liable to compensate them. Many times due to work
culture problems may arise so it becomes important that these problems be solved by the
management by various policies and activities. Company also required conveying staff about
there all the rights and respecting their opinions as well. Also guidelines and notice about the
implementation of the equal opportunity is required to be established in the employment contract
as it would prevent any further problem to the company in the future (Kunce & Meyer, 2014).

3.3 Compare the approaches to managing equal opportunities and managing diversity.
Equal opportunity is the way in which management run its working without discriminating on
the basis of gender, religion, race, disability etc. On the other hand managing diversity is the area
or the belief in which company is required management certain differences that are natural in and
harmonize way so that no ambiguous situation not arises in the future that affect the company. In
the management of the diversity it is important that all the diverse groups get along with each
other in an effective manner (King et.al, 2011). All the minority groups are focused and with
each group there difficulties are tried to reduce to create a healthy environment in the company.
Many times affirmative actions are also focused so that social responsibility and legal obligations
are taken into account and effective management can be undertaken. In relation to the orientation
of management diversity it is important that communication be well established, carriers choices
be made rationally, making and managing the changes as per the age groups. In relation to the
equal opportunity there are various steps that should be followed by organization like analysis of
the business environment, gaining knowledge about the diversity and then involving the best
implementation policy that is best suited for the company.
In the River Island both the approaches are used in an effective and efficient manner as equal
opportunity are given to all the employees as per there designation and no discrimination are
done in it while as per managing diversity company tries to make an environment in which all
the work is conducted and discrimination is avoided by the proper communication system along
with adjusting with the changes of the ageing employees in the company to make a healthy
environment (Katz, 2012).

Task 4
4.1 Select an organization you work or have worked for, identify and compare the
performance management method used.
Performance of the employee helps in the productivity of the organization so it becomes
important that at regular time interval there performance is evaluated so that an employee with
the good performance is rewarded and bad performance be punished. There are various methods
for it like rating scales, forced choice, forced distribution, check list, cost accounting method,
360 degree feedbacks and many more. In the River Island 360 degree feedback method is used as
the performance appraisal. In this method enormous number of feedbacks are derived from the
employees, supervisors, line managers, customers and many other stakeholders. The information
and the feedbacks are confidential so the opinions can easily be presented without any influences
or pressure. With this technique there is the enhancement of interpersonal, team building skills
and satisfaction of the customers. This method is highly effective as many opinions are
considered while making appraisal for the performance of the employee so many guidelines is
available in that respect. With this approach there is the access of the better knowledge about
strength and weaknesses of the employees as well as the organizations. So by this method River
Island has able to implement an effective performance appraisal of the employees (Rausch,
2011).

4.2 Assess the approaches to the practice of managing employee welfare in a selected
organization.
The term employee wellbeing is required to be considered by the organization to safeguards the
health and safety of the employees. In that relation, company has to implement many welfare
schemes in the workplace to safeguard the interest of the employees. Basic amenities like
drinking water, rest rooms, changing rooms, first aid equipment’s and all other facilities that are
considered important at the work place are required to be taken into account. Various approaches
in this context are showcase below-
Policing theory- Many guidelines and theories are made so that labors are not exploited in the
work place. In this management also required to provide all the basic amenities that is mentioned
above to them.
Religion theory- this theory is based on two parameters atonement and investments. It is
considered that the welfare provided to other would bring good benefits to the persons. So
welfares are provided to the employees in the entire context.
Philanthropic theory- It refers to providing of the healthy condition or environment for working
so that no health issues may arise in future.
Functional theory- It means that if the employees and labors are taken care then with the
healthy body and mind they would able to produce output for the organization.
Social theory- It is important that those employees be treated properly as they also are the part
of the society. Welfare of the employees and the labors is the social task that is required to be
conducted by the organization.
River Island has taken all the necessary steps in providing all the basic amenities to the
employees of the company. It also has followed all the guidelines and procedures so that
effective welfare approach is used for the betterment of the employees in the company. It also
organizes seminars and conduct programs to increase the welfare of the employees in the
company (Kunyk et.al, 2016).

4.3 Discuss the implications of health and safety legislation on human resources practices.
Health and safety regulations are implemented in the organization in such a way that employees
are being safeguarded against the dangers and damages. Such as proper training are provided in
respect of the handling and using of the dangerous equipment in the organizations. Even dangers
are intimated to the employees on time so that dangers may be avoided by the organizations.
Employees also has right to refuse the danger work so it become important for the human
resources to make strategy to safeguard the interest and health of the employees in an effective
and efficient manner. Human resource management has also manages various aspects of the
safety of health and safety of employees so that outcomes may be provided on time and no
difficulty in handling the situation may be done. HRM also arranges various seminars to spread
awareness about the importance of health and safety to the employees so that no implications
may arise that affect the productivity of the company. River Island has also considered all the
safety measures that are required to be considered so that no complications may arise that affect
the profitably of the company. It also has established all the guidelines that can become effective
for the employees (Buhai et.al, 2016).
4.4 Evaluate the impact of one topical issue on human resources practices.
E-recruitment is the process in which there is online process of choosing the suitable candidates
for the jobs in the company. Employees are selected from the online process in a fast and
effective manner. Human resources are now implementing this approach in the recruitment
process as it is fast as well as cost effective. Employees provide their resumes and other detail to
the recruiter via internet and online interview is conducted in accordance with that. Human
resource work in this situation become easy and they can easily select the candidates from the
large amount of candidates. It reduces the hectic that is faced in the personal interviews as well
as physical process of recruitment. But it is to be used in a rational manner as there are less
chances of reliability of the data provided by the candidates and all the recruitment cannot be
focused on it. In the River Island many suitable candidates are chosen from this process but still
they prefer to conduct personal interviews so that the best suited candidate is selected in the
company and productivity of the company may be increased with it (Pagura, 2016).

Conclusion
This assignment highlights all the important aspects of the human resource management that
prevails in each and every organization. It was seen that Guest model is the important method
through which human resource can be practiced by the company in an effective manner. Also the
line managers’ implication shows the responsibility it hold for the effective management of the
company. It can also be seen that flexibility is the important concept that is required to be
considered by the company so that no employees leave the company. Company must provide
flexibility in its work but it must be to a limited extent otherwise the situation and the
management may go out of control. Organization is required to consider all the approaches that
would help in the effective working as well as no discrimination caused to the employees
working capability so that those employees can work in the company in an effective manner.
Apart from that health and safety should be first priority of the employees as if they are not
healthy and the productivity will be reduced of the company. Also the e-recruitment must be
implemented in a rational manner in the company.