Human Resource Management in Context Assignment - 1

Human Resource Management in Context - Assignment Example The significance of understanding the business environment in promoting employee retention, career advancement and job security has been highlighted. The advantages and practical difficulties with doing this as well as ways of overcoming these difficulties have been discussed, emphasizing on PESTEL analysis as a significant strategy that can assist HR professionals to understand the external business environment. 2.0 Introduction Human resource management is concerned with the advancement of human capital through a tactical and articulate approach to the management of workers, who are the most treasured assets that are considered to be the underpinning element in the accomplishment of the organizational goals. It involves empowering people to utilize their potential to the maximum in line with the organizational objectives. The activities in strategic human resource management entail measures for improving the workplace environment, recruitment, performance and reward management amon g other activities that enhance the productivity of employees. Businesses maintain competitiveness through inventiveness and uniqueness in their operations. In the contemporary operating environment they have been compelled to maintain continuous changes to cope with the political, economic, social and technological needs. This development has made it necessary for human resource professionals to assume the role of business partners. As such, they need to be aware of changes and development in the business environment in order to support the business. 3.0 Significance of Understanding the Business Environment 3.0.1 Changing Technology The constantly changing technological landscape requires regular upgrading of skills to ensure the business maintains a competent workforce. It is important for HR professionals to understand the technological changes and their impact on employee motivation and productivity. Employees need to be kept informed regarding the new developments in technolog y for them to be capable of effectively utilizing the emergent technology (Viswesvaran & Ones, 2000). Increased innovations in information technology have led human resource managers to encourage workers to acquire computer skills for greater productivity. It is important for HR professionals to encourage leaning in the work place. This is accomplished through training and development, especially when an organization operates in a dynamic environment where technological advancements are constantly occurring. The faster the organization grows, the more training it requires for employees to cope with the rapidly changing operating environment (William, 2004). Training and development allows employees to acquire essential knowledge that is important in the accomplishment of tasks in the workplace. The human resource management’s role is to ensure that employees are exposed to training opportunities. It is therefore important to maintain focused on any opportunities for employees to learn that may arise in the operating environment (Viswesvaran & Ones, 2000). The skills acquired from this kind of training allow the employees to understand the operating environment better and to be aware of the business goals as well as the practices that can lead to their successful accomplishment. Employees gain confidence in undertaking their tasks when they realize