Human resources Research Proposal Essay

Proposed Research Topic: A situational analysis of the role of Human Resource Management programs in developing competency mapping tests, training and development, analyzing quality of work life, and overall employee attitudes. Purposes: In this project I will explore the holes that Human Resource Departments in all scopes of business overlook in determining the best fit for their companies. In particular, I will explore how competency mapping affects department efficiency, recruiting, retention rates, and general employee satisfaction. Such a study should give insight into the workings of Human Resource Departments and open doors to concepts that are too often overlooked or not used in conjunction with other practices. Also, the study will prove the necessity for more extensive candidate study in order to recruit and retain the right jobs for the right employees. Search Terms: * Competency Mapping * Training and Development * Quality of work life * Employee Attitude * Human Resources Management * Human Resources Development Articles: 1. Holland, P. – In Australia, a study group has found that HR departments at various firms are allocating resources towards some of the wrong areas within their employee structure and need to focus them more on recruitment and retention. Skill and labor shortages spurred the initiating of the studies and found that in order for these Australian organizations to compete both domestically and internationally they must allocate the right resources to the right areas. 2. Levi, A. S. – In a quantitative study, reactions of African Americans and Whites were noted to describe the results of Affirmative Action Programs (AAP) within the HR department. Attitudes of AA has been mixed of course, but application to four HR activities including hiring, promotions, training, and layoffs proved differing opinions exist when analyzing both advanced undergraduate and MBA participants reactions. AA has frequently made available controversy in the workplace as unfair to non-beneficiary groups, especially white males, who understandably may resist such practices. 3. Toh, S., Morgeson – In a quantitative study, researchers found that bundling HR practices rather than just individual HR practices made a large impact on effecting employee performance. Since employee performance is a multi-dimensional factor that includes ability and motivation, it only makes sense that aiming strategies at multiple angles would increase response in employees. Based on results found, individual organizations displayed stronger competence and positive results in their respected HR bundle chosen to focus on. 4. Naqvi, F. – Inside every business lays a Human Resource Department that is dedicated to hiring and retaining the most competent employees for any given job opening. The basic premise of competency mapping is finding the right person for the right job, but this is literally just the tip of the iceberg. Just because a candidate displays strong academic records and knowledge does not necessary elicit the best fit for said candidate. Also, personality testing cannot be the sole means of weeding out candidates, as they do not explore the multi-dimensional aspects that will be needed to efficiently and successfully fulfill job expectations and purposes.