12 Features of Human Resource Management

Features of Human Resource Management

HRM as a discipline has a few essential features. HRM is regarded as a subsystem of the organization. Experts and industry leaders have reviewed many articles on HRM and identified a few major features of HRM.

Human Resource Management Is An Art and A Science.

HRM is the art of managing people by recourse to creative and innovative approaches; it is a science because of the precision and rigorous application of theory required.

Human Resource Management Is Pervasive

HRM has universal application. It can be used for business and other organizations such as schools, colleges, hospitals, religious organizations, etc.

The development of HRM covers all levels and all categories of people, management, and operational staff. It is pervasive also because it is required in every department of the organization. All organizations, profit or non-profit, have to follow HRM.

HRM Is A Service Function

HRM is not a profit center. It serves all other functional departments. But the primary responsibility always lies with the line managers. HRM is a staff function – a facilitator.

The HR Manager has line authority within his department but has staff authority as far as other departments are concerned.

You can read our article where we try to answer if an HR Manager is a line or staff in the organization.

HRM is a Process

HRM is a process involving four essential functions acquisition, development, motivation, and maintenance of

HRM Is A Continuous Process

HRM is not a one-time process. It is a continuous process. It has to continuously change and adjust according to the changes in the environment, the staff’s expectations, etc.

Due to technological changes, HRM has to give employees continuous training and development.

HRM Must Be Regulation-Friendly.

The HRM function must be discharged so that legal dictates are not violated.

HRM is An Interdisciplinary and Fast-Changing

It concerns welfare, workforce, personnel management, close association with the employee, and industrial relations. It is a multidisciplinary activity utilizing knowledge and inputs from psychology, sociology, economics, etc.

Human Resource Management is Focused On Results.

HRM is performance-oriented. It has its focuses on results rather than on rules. It encourages people to give their 100%. It tries to secure the best from people by winning wholehearted cooperation.

Human Resource Management is People-Centered

HRM is about people at work, both as individuals and as a group. It tries to help employees to develop their potential fully.

It comprises people-related functions like hiring, training, development, performance appraisal, working environment, etc. HRM has the responsibility of building human capital.

People are vital for achieving organizational goals. Organizational performance depends on the quality of people and employees.

Human Relations Philosophy

HRM is a philosophy, and the basic assumption is that employees are human beings and not a factor of production like land, labor, or capital. HRM recognizes individuality and individual differences.

HRM Is An Integrated Concept

HRM in its scope includes the personnel aspect, welfare aspect, and industrial relations aspect itself. It is also integrated as it concerns not only acquisition but also development, utilization, and maintenance.

HRM Develops Team Spirit

HRM tries to develop the team spirit of the entire organization. Team spirit helps the staff work together to achieve the organization’s objectives. Nowadays, more importance is given to teamwork and not to individuals.