Unit 1: The Nature of Human Resources
Employers often profess that their employees are the most valuable resource in their recruitment materials, press events, and corporate values statements. During the past 50 years, U.S. corporations have focused more heavily on human resource (HR) management, especially with the rise of its service-based economy.
In this unit, we review the role human capital management plays in organizations. We explore the nature of HR management strategies and planning, the legal framework for equal employment for managing diversity, and affirmative action. Note that we could devote entire courses to these complex and diverse topics. For example, the U.S. federal government created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to ensure individuals receive fair and equal treatment in employment-related activities. In this unit, we introduce these topics so you can focus on the core of human capital management for the rest of the course.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- define Human Resource Management;
- explain the HRM functions and current trends in modern workplaces;
- explain the importance of strategic HR management for attracting, recruiting, and retaining valuable talent;
- describe the elements of corporate culture, including ethics and social responsibility;
- explain key laws and legislation that shape human capital decisions;
- analyze diversity and inclusion strategies and their organizational impact; and
- evaluate the importance of effective diversity management in the workplace.
1.1: The Changing Nature of Human Resource Management
This chapter provides an overview of human resources management through definitions, functions, skills required, and challenges encountered. At the end, read the Chapter Case and note your answers.
This video provides an overview of basic HRM information, including a brief history and an overview of the roles.
This video discusses more about what Human Resource Management is, including the relationship between theory and practice. Note that the end discusses a CIPD qualification, which may only be relevant if you are or want to be based in the UK.
This video details the many functions of human resource departments and their role within the organization.
This chapter describes the importance of human capital, the critical role that human resources play as a strategic partner, and key elements of strategic human resources management. Note your answer to exercise question 3.
1.2: Strategic HR Management and Planning
This video discusses organizational strategy and the integral role that resources play in the success of organizational strategy. Write a list of reasons HR is critical to organizational strategic success.
This chapter discusses the value of strategic planning, the components involved, and the importance of HR being a strategic partner within the organization. At the end, read the Chapter Case and note your answers.
1.3: Workplace Diversity
This chapter discusses the legal environment of diversity and the federal agency charged with enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You will read more about the EEOC in the next section.
Look at this graphical representation of statistics relating to the gender pay gap in America. What kinds of things can be done to address some of these issues?
Watch these two videos, which provide perspectives from various leaders and advocates on what can be done to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace. A diverse workforce adds value to an organization while enhancing teamwork, respect, and understanding.
This resource discusses the significance of diversity, which spans a range of identities, including color, gender, sexuality, religion, and age. It also explains the significance of equity and a sense of belonging in establishing an all-encompassing organizational culture, along with techniques for cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
This article highlights the social and legislative trends that lead to a more diverse workforce. Note the correlation between high diversity and high production and high diversity and high retention.
This video examines how organizations can take a more proactive approach to diversity and inclusion. It explains what an organization can do to become a diverse workplace.
1.4: Equal Employment Opportunity
These videos discuss diversity, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and various types of discrimination.
Read this article for an introduction to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This information will give you a deeper understanding of how the commission supports and enforces the proper management of human capital.
1.5: Affirmative Action
This article summarizes affirmative action and addresses some of its pros and cons.
This article provides historical data regarding affirmative action and its attempts to address inequality.
These videos discuss a recent affirmative action case that exhibits the controversy of "reverse discrimination" as it relates to affirmative action legislation.
Unit 1 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.