Introduction to

Human Resource

Management

Class 2

Class Overview

Last class, students familiarized themselves

with the history of HRM. This class will

provide additional introductory information

regarding the topic of Human Resource

Management. This class serves as a

compilation to Module 1, which will assist in

improving one’s understanding of HRM

basics.

History of HRMThroughout the years, especially the past 100 years, the field of

HRM has evolved dramatically. The field continues to develop,

evolve, and mature due to evolving organizational needs and

changes/ developments in Best Practices.

Important Names in HRM

While there are a number of important names in

the field of HRM, these individuals have been

great contributors to organizational theory,

strategy, and advancement.

– Abraham Maslow

– Adam Smith and Robert Owen

– Douglas McGregor (Theory X and Theory Y)

– Frederick Herzberg (Hygiene- Motivation Theory)

– Frederick Winslow Taylor

Abraham Maslow

Maslow acknowledged that employees have

various levels of needs in his paper entitled, “A

Theory of Human Motivation.”

These needs include psychological, safety, social,

esteem, and self-actualization.

Note: The most foundational needs are at the

bottom, as one moves through the level of

needs, he/ she will go upward.

Video - Understanding Maslow

Please watch the video above regarding

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH04OsNuvcwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH04OsNuvcw

Adam Smith and Robert Owen

These individuals advocated for divisions of

labor and job specialization.

Adam Smith

The Wealth of Nations - economic growth

Robert Owen

Division of Labor - breaking down jobs into tiny

components.

Video - Understanding Adam Smith

Please watch the video above regarding

Adam Smith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejJRhn53X2Mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejJRhn53X2M

Video - Understanding Robert

Owen

Please watch the video above regarding

Robert Owen’s Division of Labor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKa4ioAP-Lkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKa4ioAP-Lk

Douglas McGregor

Douglas McGregor developed the Theory X and Theory Y. He proposed that workers fall into two categories (i.e. self directed or lazy).

Theory X - Authoritative Management

People will avoid work and therefore, people need to be directed.

Theory Y - Participative Management

People usually are responsible and seek opportunities for responsibility.

Video - Douglas McGregor

Please watch the video above regarding Douglas

McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jNs3EwBQEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jNs3EwBQE

Frederick Herzberg

Frederick Herzberg created the Hygiene -

Motivation Theory.

Herzberg argued there are two factors associated

with employee satisfaction (i.e., job content -

motivator, job context - hygiene).

Frederick Winslow Taylor

Taylor believed that higher wages and

training would encourage employees to work

harder and faster.

Taylor was also a key contributor to Ford’s

assembly line design.

Please click on the image above for a video about Taylor and his contributions.

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/frederick-taylor-theories-principles-contributions-to-management.htmlhttp://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/frederick-taylor-theories-principles-contributions-to-management.html

Video - Frederick Herzberg

Please watch the video above regarding

Frederick Herzberg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB2wiubO0fMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB2wiubO0fM

HR is Developing

Within HR Departments there is an

emphasis placed upon:

– Leadership

– Future orientation

– Flexibility and creativity

– Adding and delivering organizational value

Best Practices in HR

As times change, HR’s focus changes. In 2013- 2014, the following were identified as ten key HR topics. These topics will be further explored in classes to come.

– HRIS

– Talent Acquisition

– Healthcare benefits

– ACA compliance

– Recruitment and applicant tracking

– Retirement benefits

– Health and wellness

– Background checks

– Pre-employment and employee testing

– Recognition, rewards, and incentives

– Performance appraisals