Discussion: Principles Of Personnel And Human Resource Management
Topic 1: Job/Task Analysis and Evaluation
DQ 1
Aamodt discusses the importance of job analysis and briefly describes competency modeling. Describe the differences and similarities between these two approaches. Explain why each is important, or not important, in the analysis of work.
DQ 2
You are the Human Resources director for a new fast-food restaurant, expanding into new markets in the United States. The job analysis is complete for all positions in the restaurant and now it is time to conduct a job evaluation in the new market. What might be some challenges in determining appropriate compensation for the jobs? What makes some ways of determining compensation more or less fair than others? Why?
Topic 2: Legal Issues in Employee Selection
DQ 1
Describe two reasons affirmative action was historically used in the workplace. Is affirmative action still needed? Why or why not?
DQ 2
You work in the Human Resources department of large electric utility company. The facility maintenance department recently added surveillance cameras to all supply rooms and supply yards. What are the key legal, ethical, and practical issues surrounding the addition of the surveillance equipment?
Topic 3: Employee Recruiting and Interviewing
DQ 1
You have done a lot of work to fill the job you created in the Topic 2 assignment. Describe the recruiting method you used and the interviewing technique you chose. Why is this method of selection the most valid for the job you recruited for?
DQ 2
Choose two components of an effective interview. How is each applicable when interviewing a candidate for the position you created in the Topic 2 assignment?
Topic 4: Employee Training
DQ 1
If training and development imply the need for change, how does training affect work adjustments and adaptability for employees currently in a position? Is there an advantage to have in-house training over outsourced training? Explain your answer.
DQ 2
What are two of the psychological theories behind successful training? Which of these theories will be most effective in training for the job you created in the Topic 2 assignment? Why?
Topic 5: Performance Evaluation and Feedback for Employees
DQ 1
Employees often think they are doing fine at work, or at least there is no significant problem. These same employees may be very surprised when they are denied advancement, reprimanded, demoted, or even fired. What are the key issues in this scenario? What flaws are present in the organizational process?
DQ 2
You are the HR director for a call center. It has come to your attention that a manager is being rude to employees. How will you decide if it is better to engage in coaching the manager to assist in overcoming deficits/problems than to terminate her employment? At what point, if ever, will termination become a viable option and what will you need to legally support your decision? How might organizational politics influence the decision to coach the manager or to terminate the employment relationship?
Topic 6: Healthy Work Life
DQ 1
Stress is a significant factor in the modern workplace that is often exacerbated when individuals are striving to manage challenges in both their work and their personal lives. What factors contribute to a psychologically healthy workplace? How might flexible working arrangements affect the creation and maintenance of organizational work-life policies?
DQ 2
Change is a constant factor in the contemporary workplace, often resulting in stress for the employees. You are the HR director for an organization that is about to begin a major organizational change. What are the characteristics of employees and work circumstances that can most significantly reduce stress and burnout related to the change? Why? How can identifying these employees and circumstances help reduce the possibility of workplace violence during the change?
Topic 7: Employee Motivation and Satisfaction
DQ 1
Choose two factors that motivate employees to learn. Describe how each of these factors affect the success of a training program. What have you found are the primary incentives that work for you in the workplace?
DQ 2
What is the psychological contract in the workplace? How does this most significantly affect employee satisfaction, commitment, and retention? What is your experience with the psychological contract? Did you notice any affect on employee satisfaction?
Topic 8: Future Challenges
DQ 1
Working full time from home as an employee of an organization can have its advantages, but also its challenges. Referring to the job you created in the Topic 2 assignment, what are the most significant advantages and challenges for this employee to work from home? How can you support and motivate your remote worker? How have you accounted for the possibility of a virtual employee when you designed the job?
DQ 2
What are the key pieces of information that you will be taking from this course and adding to your accumulating knowledge and skills during your graduate study? How might you apply this information?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.