Question 1:
The Content Theory comprises 5 stages through which an individual's needs are satisfied. This theory's application has been extended to the management practices of human resources in work organizations. However, the theory has been criticized for its inability to accommodate the needs of the modern worker.
Discuss the theory, its application and the criticism addressed against it, using examples from practice wherever convenient.
Question 2:
Contemporary organizations need to address certain challenges in order to survive and maintain its competitiveness on the market. These challenges take the form of competitive pressures, the need to balance international human resource (HR) strategies and local HR policies, dealing with impacts of technological innovation on HRM, meeting the expectation of the law, dealing with trade unions, and addressing ethical issues.
Discuss the above statement, explaining the current issues facing a contemporary human resource manager, and giving examples to clarify and support your ideas.
Question 3:
Personnel management has evolved into human resource management by going through five different stages: the social reformer, the acolyte of benevolence, the humane bureaucrat, the consensus negotiator, the organisation man, and the manpower analyst.
Discuss the evolutionary stages of personnel management, giving clear explanation of each stage and supporting your argument with relevant examples from practice.
Question 4:
Anti-corporate social groups have often attacked big corporations for not complying with the law, not exercising prudence, and not upholding the moral/ ethical code. On the other hand, they wanted corporations to have some responsibility towards the society they are operating within. However, corporate practices and the demands of the social groups seem to be much contested.
In the light of the above statement, explain the debates going round corporate practices, and which are based on the notions of legality, prudence and morality. Identify the various concerns voiced by opponents and proponents of corporate social responsibility. Use relevant examples to clarify and support your argument.