Discuss the significance of the growing diversity of human resources. What challenges does this pose for management?

Study questions:

Why do people make the difference?

What is strategic human resource management?

How do organisations attract a quality workforce?

How do organisations develop a quality workforce?

How do organisations maintain a quality workforce?

Strategic HRM

Applies the HRM process to ensure the effective accomplishment of the organisation's mission.

Involves attracting, developing and maintaining a quality workforce to implement organisational strategies.

HR planning

Analyses staffing needs and identifies actions to fill those needs.

External recruitment

Job candidates are sought from outside the hiring organisation.

Brings in outsiders with fresh perspectives, and provides access to specialised expertise or work experience not otherwise available from insiders.

Internal recruitment

Seeks applicants from inside the organisation.

Usually less expensive, and builds loyalty and motivation.

Realistic job previews

Provide job candidates with all pertinent information about a job and the organisation.

Instead of ‘selling' only positive features of a job, this approach tries to be realistic and balanced in the information provided, depicting actual job and organisational features, both favourable and unfavourable.