HRM Functions

Integral to the human resource management (HRM) function and the responsibilities of other departmental managers and supervisors are the functions of selecting, appraising and disciplining employees. Bohlander and Snell (14) identify these functions as linked to the development of human capital, and further comment that human capital is rapidly becoming known as the most vital type of capital needed for organizational growth and advancement in a hypercompetitive environment being shaped by the intangible assets of the corporation in the form of employees' skills, knowledge, commitment and motivation. As this essay will demonstrate, effective supervision in HRM and departmental managerial positions requires competency in the key areas of employee selection, performance appraisals, and disciplinary procedures designed not solely to punish but also to effect change in workers behaviors and attitudes.

With respect to selecting employees, managers are well advised to avoid hiring out of desperation, to develop appropriate interview questions and formats that focus on key behaviors and skills that are needed for the job, to carefully check all references given by an applicant, and to avoid overselling the position ("HR by the Numbers," 30). At its core, appropriate employee selection depends upon matching the individual to the job. This requires a comprehensive job description that clearly delineates the behavior