Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Human Resource Management - Essay Example of HRM The main difference between soft and hard philosophies of HRM is that the soft approach is employee oriented where there is a balance between work and their interests while the hard approach is performance based where organisational productivity is given priority. The other difference between the two is related to the structure of the organisation which has a bearing on the HR functions. A soft approach can be applied to an organisation with a flat structure like Toyota while a hard approach is applicable to organisations with tall structures. In an organisation where a soft approach is applied, employees can contribute towards the decision making process while in a hard approach they are not involved. The other notable difference between the two is that teamwork is encouraged in an organisation which encompasses the soft approach while the one with a hard approach emphasises the element of increased performance. The other difference is that the soft approach encourages innova tion while the hard approach inhibits innovation. Table 1 Differences between soft and hard approaches to HRM Soft approach Hard approach Employee oriented Production/performance centred Suitable in flat organisation structure Ideal for tall organisation structures Involvement in decision making Employees not involved in decision making Teamwork is encouraged Teamwork is not promoted Innovation is promoted Does not promote innovation 1.2.1 Advantages and disadvantages of soft philosophies of HRM Advantages Disadvantages Workers are motivated The organisation can lose money pleasing employees. There is consensus in decision making Some of the ideas may not be incorporated in the decisions A sense of belonging is created Employees may see themselves too powerful Tasks are decentralised to... The paper tells that the main difference between soft and hard philosophies of HRM is that the soft approach is employee oriented where there is a balance between work and their interests while the hard approach is performance based where organisational productivity is given priority. The other difference between the two is related to the structure of the organisation which has a bearing on the HR functions. A soft approach can be applied to an organisation with a flat structure like Toyota while a hard approach is applicable to organisations with tall structures. In an organisation where a soft approach is applied, employees can contribute towards the decision making process while in a hard approach they are not involved. The other notable difference between the two is that teamwork is encouraged in an organisation which encompasses the soft approach while the one with a hard approach emphasises the element of increased performance. The other difference is that the soft approach enc ourages innovation while the hard approach inhibits innovation. The soft approach used by Toyota is commendable given that it is mainly concerned by the welfare and needs of the employees. This helps to motivate them such that they put optimum effort in their performance which is an added advantage to the company as a whole. The other reason is that the employees are satisfied with their job and it is easier for the organisation to retain talent. The other advantage is that continuous improvement of the employee skills helps them to keep pace with the changes that may take place in the environment.