Human resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Human resource management - Essay Example Personnel management, on the other hand, is mainly concerned with the management of the workforce instead of resources, according to Armstrong (2008, p. 98). Personnel managers, unlike human resource managers mainly handle administrative duties such as ensuring that the immediate needs of employees in an organisation are met so as to ensure effective working environment. Koster and Koster (2007, p.6) also note that the two management functions also differ in terms of the nature of relations. In this regard, whereas HRM focuses more on group interest by ensures that the needs of all the employees in an organization are met, personnel management, on the other hand, focuses more on the interest of an individual employee instead of the group as is the case with HRM. In this regard, the management and employees exhibit a contractual relationship where one recruits and others perform according to Koster and Koster (2007, p.6). Koster and Koster (2007, p.7) allude that the duo also differ i n terms of management and power relations. In this regard, whereas power in HRM is highly decentralized and is shared between lower and middle level management groups. Power in personnel management is highly centralized. ... Armstrong (2012, p.44) argue that line managers plays crucial roles in the organisation by helping in ensuring that the human resource functions are discharged accordingly. The important roles of a line manager have particularly been seen in NHS that has a line manager working alongside the HR manager. Some of the principal duties performed by line managers at NHS include supervision, staffing, and ensuring that employees work in a safe and healthy environment. Regarding supervisory functions, line managers at NHS keeps maintain direct contact with all employees at the hospital through engagement. This gives them the opportunity to monitor the quality of work performed by employees in the course of their duties. At the same time, line managers ensures that every employee report to their duty station in time to ensure effective and timely delivery of services to patients at NHS hospital. Supervisory duties of line managers is very crucial because it also ensures that any vacancy that may arise due to absenteeism or unknown reason is filled to ensure timely discharge of duties according to Armstrong (2012, p.45). Armstrong (2012, p.45) also reveals that line managers can sometimes take up the position left vacant while awaiting the arrival of an employee so as to ensure that no work is left unattended. In addition, line managers ensure that all personnel are present to ensure that no department is left unmanned. Armstrong (2007, p.512) also notes that the line manager at NHS in collaboration with HRM ensures that the hospital has enough staff. In this regard, in case of a shortfall, the line manager is expected to report the matter to the HRM to enable the organisation to hire someone to fill the vacancy. In addition, a line manager as