Human Resource Management Key Concepts

Topic 7: Social Retention

1. Socialization

Concept: Socialization occurs on various levels, including pre-socialization, which begins even before an employee is hired. The socialization process typically involves three stages, starting with initial orientation and integration programs (induction).

2. Content of Socialization

This section explores what individuals learn during socialization, focusing on the attributes of the best-socialized individuals.

3. Voluntary Departures and Retention

This section examines the voluntary departures of organizational members and strategies for improving employee retention.

4. Effects of Voluntary Exits

This section discusses the potential adverse effects and surprising benefits of voluntary exits.

Topic 8: Training and Development

1. Definitions

Training: Enhances specific skills for current roles.
Development: Focuses on broader growth for future roles.
This section differentiates between instruction, learning, training, and development, outlining various training types and methods.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Training Methods

This section analyzes the pros and cons of in-class training/expository classes, case studies, and simulations.

3. The Training Cycle

Phase 1: Needs Identification: This phase uses tools to assess training needs (examples provided).
Phase 2: Design: This phase addresses key design questions from the training architect's perspective.
Phase 3: Implementation: This phase examines responsibilities, personal and organizational aspects relevant to transfer and effectiveness, and factors influencing effective learning transfer.
Phase 4: Evaluation: This phase focuses on assessing training outcomes.

4. Relevance of Training

This section discusses the relevance of training as contemplated in Portuguese law and its benefits for individuals and organizations.

Topic 9: Performance Management

1. What is Performance Management (PM)?

PM involves activities such as setting goals, providing feedback, and conducting performance reviews. This section explores factors influencing performance and the objectives of PM systems, emphasizing the importance of a continuous PM process.

2. Effectiveness of PM

This section outlines best practices to ensure PM effectiveness.

3. Performance Appraisal Methods

This section describes various appraisal methods, including absolute and relative methods, behavior-centered methods (essay, graphic scale, behavioral checklist, critical incidents, BARS, assessment centers), and results-oriented methods (simple ranking, paired ranking, forced distribution, MBO).

4. Performance Standards and Errors

This section discusses the development of performance standards and potential errors and biases in performance appraisals.

5. Evaluation Process

This section examines the role of the evaluator, including 360-degree evaluations, and the use of personal development plans.

Topic 10: Compensation Management

1. Rewards and Motivation

This section explores the motivational role of salary, addressing what satisfies higher and lower-order needs based on Herzberg's model.

2. Transparency in Pay

This section discusses the importance of transparency in pay and the potential costs of secrecy.

3. Compensation System Design

This section outlines the components of compensation, objectives of compensation management, key assumptions for designing a compensation system, and methods for determining remuneration.

Topic 11: Restructuring and Downsizing

1. Downsizing

Definition, Causes, and Motivation: This section defines downsizing, explores its causes and motivations, and assesses its effectiveness. It also examines different downsizing strategies (workforce reduction, organizational redesign, systematic strategy) and their positive and negative consequences for the organization.

2. Consequences of Downsizing

This section analyzes the negative and positive consequences of downsizing for employees and the negative consequences for society. It also provides guidelines for more effective downsizing processes and explores alternatives to downsizing.

3. Outplacement

This section describes outplacement services, their benefits, and the role of "death angels."