360 degree feedback is an assessment evaluation tool that is focused on employee job performance from a multisource perspective. It is also referred as a multisource assessment or a multi-rater feedback since it relies on information from various actors. Ideally a 360 degree feedback assessment is done by evaluating an employee job performance through a comprehensive investigation of their working relationship, from both an internal and external perspective. The idea is to generate an accurate assessment of an employee job skills, quality of work output and team work abilities that can be relied for employee assessment and job evaluation. The term “360 degree feedback” was introduced in the 1990-s as systematic collection of information on the results of an individual or a group obtained from the environment. It is intended to obtain an informative feedback from the manager, subordinates, peers and management. In some cases there may be used a Continue reading
Human Resource Management Basics
Analytical Approaches to Cultural Factors
The reason cultural factors are a challenge to global marketers is that they are hidden from view. Because culture is learned behavior passed on from generation to generation, it is difficult for the inexperienced or untrained outsider to fathom. Becoming a global manager means learning how to let go of cultural assumptions. Failure to do so will hinder accurate understanding of the meaning and significance of the statements and behaviors of business associates from a different culture. For example, a person from a culture that encourages responsibility and initiative could experience misunderstandings with a client or boss from a culture that encourages bosses to remain in personal control of all activities. Such a boss would expect to be kept advised of a subordinate’s actions; the subordinate might be taking initiative on the mistaken assumption that the boss would appreciate a willingness to assume responsibility. 1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs The Continue reading
Workforce Diversity Management in the Age of Globalization
Within each and every organization, the composition of workforce diversity is being integrated into its human resource management (HRM). In this new era, the world is increasingly globalizing and since the advent of information technology, the borders of the world are drawn so closely than ever before. Theories of diversity management have been developed by business professionals and scholars, citing that a heterogeneous organization could create better HRM practices to maximize the benefits from a diverse workforce as well as improving their competitive advantages. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs will help to understand how employees’ basic need affects the HRM; and how workforce diversity could contribute to achieving HRM’s strategic objectives. Diversity awareness allows for a better understanding of inclusive consumers’ needs, and provides access to better labor pools. Hence, an organization must be able to utilize the available skills from the workforce if it is to maintain competitive advantage and Continue reading
Benefits of Performance Appraisal
Perhaps the most significant benefit of performance appraisal is that, in the rush and bustle of daily working life, it offers a rare chance for a supervisor and subordinate to have “time out” for a one-on-one discussion of important work issues that might not otherwise be addresses. Performance Appraisal offers a valuable opportunity to focus on work activities and goals, to identify and correct existing problems, and to encourage better future performance. Thus the performance of the whole organization is enhanced. For many employees, an “official” appraisal interview may be the only time they get to have exclusive, uninterrupted access to their supervisor. Said one employee of a large organization after his first formal performance appraisal, “In twenty years of work, that’s the first time anyone has ever bothered to sit down and tell me how I’m doing.” The value of this intense and purposeful interaction between a supervisors and Continue reading
“Job Enrichment is Just a Fancy Name for Employee Exploitation”- Discussion
Job enrichment is operationalized with job descriptions and job specifications. Badly written job descriptions and job specifications restrict management’s freedom to make changes in job tasks, duties and responsibilities; and assign work to employees. Claims of employee exploitation will usually come from trade unions. To avoid industrial disputes with trade unions, it is critical that job descriptions and job specifications be clear, concise and understandable. This is particularly so with jobs that have A,B,C, classifications. Such jobs must be carefully distinguished by job title and clearly involve different job content and job requirements. Where ABC type classifications have developed for ‘historical’ reasons it is essential that a thorough job analysis be conducted to ensure that more than one level of the job actually exits. If this is not done, claims for “higher duties” payments or upgrade to a higher classification are likely to be an ongoing source of grievances. Precise Continue reading
Employee Value Proposition (EVP) – Definition and Importance
Employee value proposition (EVP), is the assessment of the relationship between employer and employee. This entails what an employee gets from his or her employer as a reward for work done. The measurement of this relationship defines the position of the company among its competitors. For instance, if employees feel that they receive an equal reward or even more rewards than their work, this implies satisfied employees. Mostly, such companies do not have regular employee turnover, as every employee feels comfortable. The employee value proposition entails a clear description of the real needs and clarification of the job expectations. Both the employer and the employee should be made aware of what to expect from one another. In most cases, the Employee value proposition (EVP) is defined by the employer by defining the unique qualities of the job in question, which would make it most attractive to a competent candidate. Another Continue reading