HRM Practices Report: Chocolate Presence and Microsoft Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, focusing on the case studies of Chocolate Presence and Microsoft. It begins with an introduction to HRM, outlining its purpose and functions, and then delves into Task 1, which examines the purpose and functions of HRM, along with the strengths and weaknesses of different recruitment and selection approaches, and suggests improvements to the selection process. Task 2 focuses on creating a person specification for a receptionist, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of current job advertising methods, and recommending a job advert. Task 3 explores the benefits of training schemes, identifies arrangements for Microsoft and its employees, and evaluates methods to motivate the workforce and design job roles. Finally, Task 4 discusses the importance of employee engagement, key approaches for engaging employees, and key elements of employee legislation. The report concludes with a summary of the key findings and recommendations, providing valuable insights into effective HRM strategies.

Human Resources
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
A). Purpose and functions of HRM and its importance to the company...............................1
B). Strengths and weakness of different approaches of recruitment and selection................2
C). Two potential improvements to enhance selection process.............................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
A) Create a person specification.............................................................................................4
B) Advantages and disadvantages of the current methods of advertising jobs......................5
C) Recommended the job advert for the receptionist vacancy...............................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
A) Benefits of training schemes to both employer and employee..........................................7
B) Identification of arrangements and its benefits to Microsoft and employee's...................9
C) Evaluation of methods to motivate workforce and designing job roles............................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
A) Importance of employee's engagement in the organisation............................................11
B) Key approaches for engaging employee's.......................................................................12
C) Key elements for employee's legislation.........................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Human resource management is the sector which is related to workers working in
organization. Human resource management is the process under which planning, recruiting and
selecting best candidate for the post. Workforce is most crucial aspect for organization because
they are the sources for which individuals are working. Human resources managers are
responsible for understanding different preferences of employees and makes policies for their
betterment. In current market, there are many ways through which individuals can be selected
and hired such as online and off sources.
This report is based on Chocolate presence and Microsoft. Chocolate presence is wide
spreading organization providing tailor made chocolates. While Microsoft is world wide
information technology organization having head quarter in Washington. In this report, there is
discussion about purpose, function of HRM, strengths and weakness of different approaches of
selection and recruitment, different benefits of HRM practices for both employer and employee.
Apart from this there is discussion about effectiveness of different HRM practices for improving
productivity and profitability. At last it en- lights importance of employee relation for improving
decision making, laws and regulations which has to be discussed and different practical examples
for implementing HRM practices.
TASK 1
A). Purpose and functions of HRM and its importance to the company
HRM is the sector which assist in managing work force at organisation. This department
is crucial and significant because of change in market trends. As per case study of Chocolate
Presence, managers are thinking to expand their business to get expanded at international level.
In order to expand business, there is requirement of different departments such as marketing,
research and development, sales, purchasing, etc. So managers are thinking to improve staff and
asked HR manager to get some best candidates for the post(Cascio, 2015).
Purpose of HRM
Compensation and benefits- Main purpose of HRM is to set appropriate compensation
and benefits to employees. This is the main reason for which individuals are working at
Chocolate Presence, there are some person goals and objectives of individuals as well, so it is
important to provide them specific appropriate compensation and benefits.
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Performance appraisal- Performance appraisal is the management operations through
which employees at Chocolate presence motivate each other. Managers of organisation wants to
expand their business, so it is important to evaluate their performance and provide them
monetary and non- monetary benefits to keep them satisfy.
Functions of HRM
Planning- Planning is one of the most common purpose for which HR department is
working(Jiang, Lepak and Baer, 2012). There are different ways through which individuals are
selected by HR manager of Chocolate presence but they have to select best candidate fro crowd,
so appropriate method has to be selected.
Directing- there is requirement of direction to workers through which they perform their
operations in desired manner. As there are many employees, so it is important to make them
work in synchronise manner. Hence with admitting individuals direction regarding working
style, environment of organisation is clear to them by HR manager.
Purpose of HR functions and its importance:
There are many functions performed by HR manager of Chocolate Presence such as
planning, organisation, staffing, directing, recruiting, etc. these are the major functions which has
to be performed by managers of organisation. With the help of HR functions, there is proper
communication with workers and it is easy to synchronise business activities. While selecting
best candidates there is positive environment at organisation,. Planning, organising are the major
functions through which best individuals can be selected for Chocolate Presence. HR practices
are important for organisation because there is specific way through which individuals are able to
understand what has to be done. Workers are satisfied because they can easily communicate
about their issues and grievances. There is a platform which makes it easy for employees to
become familiar with each other(Mello, 2014).
As managers of Chocolate Presence wants to expand their business and facing issues
regarding selecting and recruiting individuals, hence with the help of HR functions, it is easy to
get best candidates and improve quality of chocolates provided by association.
B). Strengths and weakness of different approaches of recruitment and selection
Recruitment and selection are the major functions performed by HR manger because they
deals with managing workforce at organisation. With proper recruitment and selection, it is easy
to expand and get positive impact on growth and development of workers. Recruitment refers to
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process of finding best candidates for vacant job role within specified time and cost. This is the
positive process through which individuals are attracted. There are different approaches of
recruitment i.e. internal and external recruitment. While selection is the process of selecting best
candidate and scrutiny unwanted and irrelevant candidates in terms of their qualification, skills,
knowledge, etc. this is the negative process because under this method individuals are shortlisted
for getting best candidate(Bromiley and Rau, 2016). There are different approaches of selection
such as psychometric test, Group exercises, presentations, ability and aptitude, etc.
Ability and aptitude tests- This is the test which has to be conducted in order to access
general intelligence, verbal ability, numerical knowledge, diagrammatically ability are evaluated.
This is the broad concept which provides complete information about candidates.
Advantages Disadvantages
Under this method, general knowledge about
experience and qualification can be evaluated.
This provides knowledge about their mindset
about their field(Head and Alford, 2015).
While there is difference in perceptions of
interviewer, so there are possibilities of conflict
among individuals regarding selecting best
candidate.
Psychometric testing- A psychometric test is the test to analyse attributes which has to be
followed. In this test mental measures are taken into consideration. Hence in this test, ability test,
personality and aptitude test is conducted.
Advantages Disadvantages
This test provides level of learning of
individual about academic skills.
Sometimes candidate is not able to
representation confidently and interviewer
judges them on this behalf. So this gives
negative impact on representing in front of
external parties.
Chocolate presence is using English comprehension and mathematical test with passing
criteria of 50%. After this there is reference check and then there is interview after meeting
referral criteria. Interview conducted by managers of Chocolate Presence is informal.
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Strength of this method is it is easy for managers of Chocolate presence to analyse
general knowledge about subject matter while disadvantage is this is long process which makes
candidate bored. Personal interview is informal which is not appropriate for selecting individuals
for higher designation(Ng and Feldman, 2012). Apart from this managers of chocolate presence
can hire through employee agencies which provides creamy and selected individuals for the
organisation. With hiring through this method, it saves time and reduces complex selection
process.
C). Two potential improvements to enhance selection process
To make improvement and enhance selection process the management of Chocolate
Presence c an use different methods of selection like ability tests, group discussion, personality
profiling, online screening and shortlisting etc. In all of them, the administration of Chocolate
Presence can use ability test and group discussion. Because with the help of group discussion,
the management can monitor the communication skill of employees which is most important for
Receptionist job role. Ability test is another method which can be used by the HR manager to
select skilled employees. With the help of this they can analyses the capability and other abilities
like numerical ability, personality etc. because it is not compulsory to all individual that are good
in English and mathematics and for Receptionist job role it is not much required. With the help
of ability test, the management can monitor different skills, competencies and knowledge of
applicants.
TASK 2
A) Create a person specification
HRM practices are worldwide used phenomenon in order to manage the execution of
operation in the organization. Human resource are the essential for the organization to sustain
their business in today's scenario. There are various HRM practices that is used in the
organization in order to motivate their employee's to work towards organizational goals such as
fair amount of wages to employee's, hiring of right candidate for the right job , providing
security of jobs to the employee's etc. To pull in the suitable candidates the company 'chocolate
presence must ensure that it provide proper person specification to employee's so that the
company can employ right person at right job. Person specification has been designed beneath :
Person Specification
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 Designation: Receptionist
 Department: HR department
 Key: This shows what is required as an evidence:
 (A): Application form, (I): Interview, (R): Role
Attributes Essential Desirable
 Qualification &
Experience
 Graduate or Post-
graduation in
management sector
from reputed college.
 Minimum 4 years of
working experience as
working in a
receptionist in HR department.
 Experience of working
as a receptionist in a
management sector.
 Skills or knowledge  Problem solving and
decision making skills,
communication skills
and skills to work as a
professionals.
 Ability to work under
pressure in the most
effective manner.
B) Advantages and disadvantages of the current methods of advertising jobs
The management of Chocolate Presence currently use internal and external both method
of requirement. They are defined as below:
Internal recruitment- this is the the process through which individuals are selected
within the organisation. As there are many workers working at Chocolate Presence, so HR
managers can select candidates from existing people(Renwick, Redman and Maguire, 2013).
This assist in filling upper level vacant positions. Transfer, promotion. Etc. are examples of
internal recruitment. With the help of internal recruitment method, the management of the
company recruit candidates to circulate internally to existing employees and their friends, family
and others.
Advantages Disadvantages
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It is cost saving method because in it, the
management do not invest fund to provide
information and notification by designing job
advertisement etc. This is the way which is
time and cost effective for Chocolate Presence
and individuals have knowledge about working
style, culture of organisation.
It create barrier to enter new and fresh talent
within the company. While disadvantage is
there is no fresh idea generated for completing
information task and sometimes it leads to
monopoly of existing workforce.
External recruitment- This is the way through which individuals are selected from
external sources. There are different external sources such as campus recruitment, employee
agencies, etc. For external recruitment the company currently use wall advertisement to provide
information to applicant about vacant positions.
Advantages Disadvantages
This is better because there is entry to new
workers who have fresh ideas and innovative
working style. This improves working style of
whole organisation. Wall advertisement is also
not much costly in comparison to other like
social media etc.
While this method creates dissatisfaction
among existing workers and they are not
motivated. If the organisation want to hire
international applicants then with the help of
wall advert, it is not possible.
C) Recommended the job advert for the receptionist vacancy
To aware about the vacant positions to candidates, the administration of respective
company can use different methods and channels of job advertisement like social media, web
advertisement, TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazines and others. In all of them social media is n
crucial tool for advertisement. Because now these days most of the people use it so if the
management department of Chocolate Presence will use it then it can also provide information
about candidates. With the help of it, the firm can provide notification to international
candidates. With the help of social media advertisement, the company can provide notification
regarding vacant within less time and get number of skilled and qualified employees for
Receptionist job role.
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Job Advertisement
Job Title: Receptionist
Position summery: As a receptionist, the individual will be the ambassador of the company's
first impressions on the tourists and visitors. To compassionately greet all incoming guests,
visitors and members will be the foremost responsibility of the person. To help them with
directions or any appropriate information which they require while maintaining a high level of
confidentiality.
Company: Chocolate Presence
Department: Management
Salary: $17/hr
Location: 456, Willford Street, London
Education:
 Bachelor's degree in management form a well recognised university.
 High school diploma and equivalent experience from any college.
Experience:
 1 years experience as a Receptionist in any organisation.
 Knowledge about MS Office and MS Excel.
Skills & Abilities:
 Good written and verbal communication skill.
 Effective time management and problem solving skill.
TASK 3
A) Benefits of training schemes to both employer and employee
HRM activities are important and crucial for individuals as well as organisation. There
are many changes which are happening in current market such as change in training practices,
technological changes, personal conflicts among workers, etc. So in this case tat work place
HRM practices makes proper and regular change according to external market. HR practices are
beneficial for workers as well as organisation. HR manager has to regular contact with workers
through which they to know about pros and cons of environmental environment of Microsoft and
hence corrective actions can be taken through which it is easy to maintain long term relations
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with consumers. Workers also feel satisfied that they are valuable for organisation, so they give
their best.
BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYER
Planning for change- With the help of HR manager it is easy at Microsoft to plan for
change. This is relevant and significant for understand changes which are happening at
international level. As per change in external environment, it is essential for manager of
Microsoft to plan for operations accordingly. HR manager has complete knowledge about
mindset of workers, so manager can makes strategies to motivate workers and make them ready
to work under dynamic environment. So with working and accepting external market changes,
organisational growth is possible which makes positive impact on Microsoft.
Development of good relations- There is good relations among workers working at
Microsoft because overall efficiency depends on team work and overall out put of organisation.
HR manger makes strategies such as picnic, outing, etc. through which there is interaction
among workers. This assist in managing and maintaining positive relations with workers
(Bennett and et. al., 2015). When mangers are satisfied and ready to work with one another, then
it is easy for Microsoft to achieve set aims and objectives.
Less possibilities of conflict- With HR policies, there are less possibilities of conflict
among workers because HR manger bridge gap between workers in case of any issue. If there is
personal conflict, then HR manager of Microsoft identifies reason and take in to consideration
for the next time. If workers are pleased with each other, then they are able to concentrate on
their core working efficiency.
BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES
Training and internship- HR manager makes strategies for training, development and
learning program of individuals. When workers get opportunities to learn new startegies and
techniques, then they are satisfied that they are able to improve their personal techniques as well.
So they are ready to give best and improve new learning and techniques(van Dijk and et. al.,
2013).
Flexible working hours- HR manager is responsible to frame policies regarding working
hours, dress code, etc. So workers at Microsoft get flexible working environment through which
they can focus on their effectiveness and efficiency. If HR manager makes flexible working
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hours, then individuals are able to compatible with their professional and personal hours. This
gives them opportunities to maintain long term relations.
Health and safety benefits- there are different laws and regulations related to health of
workers such as health and safety act 1974 which assist in providing better facilities to
employees. These acts are communicated to workers by HR managers of Microsoft and in case
of any amendments in laws, HR has to communicated to workers.
B) Identification of arrangements and its benefits to Microsoft and employee's
Microsoft is big organisation dealing in software solutions, so there are many
organisation providing services to different parts of country. There are different individuals from
different parts of country having difference in their religious and cultural aspects. So it is
important to maintain balance among them. This can be done by HR manner of Microsoft
(Martínez-Jurado and Moyano-Fuentes, 2014). Some benefits and arrangements which HR
manager can achieve with internship and training is as under-
Future plans- there is proper benefits to employees through which they can plan to be in
organisation for longer time. Managers can provide education loan for children, free medical
check- ups and insurance, etc. through which consumers is satisfied. They want to retain in
organisation for longer time. HR manager can get plan for family touring through which
employees are satisfied.
Benefits for providing these benefits to employees are employees 's labour turnover rate
is reduced and they are getting safe environment in organisation. This bridges gap between
employer and employees benefits. When workers are satisfied than there is positive impact on
their productivity through which organisational aims and objectives are achieved. When existing
workers are satisfied, then there is increment in brand image of Microsoft and other employees
also wants to admit.
With the help of above mentioned benefits, employer and employee both get
opportunities to understand changes which are relevant in context of current dynamic working
environment. When workers are satisfied, then long term relations are policies and possibilities
of labour turnover is also less. With the help of HR practices, there is coordination among
workers through which organisational aims and objectives can be achieved.
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C) Evaluation of methods to motivate workforce and designing job roles
There is requirement of proper motivation to workers through which they are ready to
work on specified job and provide better options. In Microsoft, there are different job positions
and workers have to work as per their skills and experience, so in order to motivate the,
Maslow's Need hierarchy theory is used because this provides motivation in step by step format.
Five factors of Maslow's Need Hierarchy theory are-
(Source: Maslow's Need Hierarchy theory, 2019) Psychological need:- This is the basic step in hierarchy in which there is discussion about
prime needs of consumers i.e. clothes, shelter, food because this is important for residing.
Firstly HR manager of Microsoft have to analyse that these needs have to be fulfilled. Safety and security need:- There is requirement of proper safe and secured environment
to workers at work place. When workers feel safe and secure then they give their best. So
there is requirement of positive environment with proper working condition through
which want to reside in society. Social need:- There is need of getting familiar and social need among employees under
which they can maintain good relations with colleagues. HR managers of Microsoft must
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Illustration 1: Maslow's Need Hierarchy theory