GSB 739 Human Resource Management
Human Resource Management (HRM) is all about managing the employment relationship and is fundamental to organisational success. In this unit we explore the many dimensions to managing the employment relationship from a somewhat unique perspective. While we examine the many functions of HRM, we question the assumptions underpinning them. Rather than taking as given that all HRM programs are beneficial, we question what evidence there is for the effectiveness of the programs. In particular, we focus on the evaluative procedures that need to be in place to monitor the impact of the programs—including the human cost. This critical, questioning theme is central to this unit.
The aims of this unit are to:
- help you develop the background knowledge and skills that are important for understanding and managing human resource issues such that both productivity and quality of life are enhanced for both you and those you influence;
- give you a good critical base on which to build skills needed for HR management; and
- assist you to develop, implement, evaluate and cope with new and existing HRM programs, with due regard to the limitations of our current understanding of human nature.
This unit involves a lot of reading and would best be studied on its own. In the assignments, students are given the opportunity to critically reflect on their own organisations in light of the material studied. To do this well, we advise students to follow a dedicated weekly approach to study to avoid falling behind.