QUESTION 1
To encourage understanding of possible approaches to achieving vertical integration (strategic fit flanked by Business and HR strategies), Walker (1992) has put forward a useful analytical model for assessing the degree of fit or integration.
(a) Describe why vertical integration may be advantageous but it is not easy to achieve.
(b)What is the dissimilarity between Strategic Human Resource Management and Human Resource Strategy?
(c)Put in plain words how each the following three types of processes is used in developing and implementing HR strategy:
(i) The integrated process
(ii) The aligned process
(iii) The separate process
QUESTION 2
(a) Human resource development makes a major contribution to the successful accomplishment of the organisation's objectives, and investment in it benefits all the stakeholders of the organisation.
What are the key or main elements of human resource development?
(b) The culture and structure of an organisation develop over time and in response to a multifaceted set of factors. What are the key influences that are likely to play an important role in the expansion of any corporate culture?
QUESTION 3
(a) Most cases of change are of the incremental type which is accepted by employees as part of the evolutionary development of the organisation. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this piecemeal approach in organisations?
(b) Why do individuals resist change and what needs to be done to translate this resistance into acceptance or approvals?
QUESTION 4
One of the first explicit declarations of the HRM concept was made by the Michigan School (Fombrun et al, 1984). They supposed that HR systems and the organisation structure should be administered in a way that is congruent with organisational strategy (hence the name ‘matching model').
(a) Describe the philosophy and associated implications of the Matching model of Human Resource Management (HRM) for managing people or individuals.
(b) What are the disapprovals (criticism) that have been levelled against the Matching model of HRM?