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Human Resource Management can Improve the Competitive Ability of Business

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Human Resource Management can Improve the Competitive Ability of Business

The starting point for a human resource strategy is the organisations strategic plan. A workforce must be put in place which provides departments with the correct number of appropriately skilled employees to accomplish targets in all departments. In order to achieve this, the likely demand for products or services must be anticipated and the future implications for recruitment and training considered. Effective communication between departments is vital if this approach is to succeed. For example:

· The marketing department can supply estimates of future demand.

· Operations management can detail the level of skill needed to produce the goods. · Human …show more content…

· To provide targets by which the actions of the human resource function can be assessed.

Human resources strategy can provide an organisation with competitive advantage in two ways:

· Human capital advantage – this involves selecting appropriate employees, appraising their performance, then rewarding then in a way which fosters commitment. The human resources cycle can be used to shape employees to the needs of the organisation.

· Human process advantage – this involves developing the ability of people within the organisation to learn from past experiences. For example implementing the firm’s strategy, working together and developing innovative ideas.

A competitive advantage based on organisational learning may last longer than one based on human capital. This is because competitors can also select or develop individuals with appropriate talent and this type of knowledge is not easy to copy, which gives the organisation an advantage.

The human resource cycle identifies four functions selection, appraisal, reward and development all performed in organisations with respect to employees. The human resource strategy demands that the organisation should undertake these activities in a planned and systematic way. Based upon the requirements of the competitive environment managers are usually selected to carry out the strategic objectives of the organisation. The most suited manager must be chosen according to the product and its

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