There are numerous definitions about business management emphasizing it as an art of managing to science of managing and focusing on the functions of management like planning, organizing, directing and controlling. The fact which ought to be remembered is that in the ultimate analysis it is the management of most vital resource of the organization that is human resource. All management is after all management of human resource and therefore manager to succeed must be good Human Resource Manager. Human resource management is a challenging profession as human resources have different mindsets, beliefs, motivations and are unpredictable. Besides the business functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling following aspects deserve the attention of managers:
Human beings are not machines and therefore non-financial motivation in form of appreciation, recognition, good words, smile, and genuine interest in human resources is as important as financial incentives in form of increase in monetary compensation and other financial rewards.
Good interpersonal relations are a must for effective communication and team work.
Democratic leadership must be exercised in form of value orientation rather than system orientation. Organizational climate must foster self direction, self motivation, self control and self discipline.
Manager’s need to guard against formation and domination by cliques of employee’s in the affairs of the organization. Employees must be encouraged to cooperate with each other rather than competing with each other.
The opportunities for development and growth must be made available to all employees and it should not be confined to few employees.
Human dignity must be maintained. Managers must make the conscious effort to be as much as unbiased as possible.
Regular informal interaction with all the employees will create better understanding and good interpersonal relation between manager’s and the employee’s. Manager’s interaction must not be limited to trusted few employee’s. Interaction can be on work related matters or even on social matters. This is a long term process and requires investment of Manager’s time and energy. The rewards are in form of better interpersonal relations, employee initiative, involvement, commitment, dedication, loyalty and self direction and control in the pursuit of organizational goals. There are certain things which cannot be bought but has to be earned and employee initiative, involvement, dedication, commitment and loyalty are few of them.
The basic management fundamentals of clarity in authority, responsibility, accountability and unity of command and unity of direction can ensure successful achievement of organizational objectives. Role clarity energizes human resources whereas role ambiguity, role conflict and role overload demoralize the human resources.
Work-life balance enhances employee’s productivity. Work life and home life are inseparable. Work stress adversely affects employee’s home life and vice versa is also possible.
The objective of human resource performance evaluation must be employee and organizational improvement and not criticizing and fault finding exercise. Periodic feedback about employee job performance must be given to all employees.
The management fundamentals are subject to organizational situation and organizational environment.
History is testimony to the fact that small armies have won against large forces and one of the reasons for such victory lies in the qualities of leadership shown and practiced by the leaders. Leadership plays a decisive role in the success and failure of business organization. A good leader leads by setting the examples for others to follow. Manager’s as good leader’s must set the good examples for their subordinate’s to follow.
Tags: financial motivation, human resource management, human resource manager, system orientation, value orientation