...IBIMA Publishing Journal of Human Resources Management Research http://www.ibimapublishing.com/journals/JHRMR/jhrmr.html Vol. 2011 (2011), Article ID 598896, 20 pages DOI: 10.5171/2011.598896 The Adoption of Strategic Human Resource Management Practices in Commercial Banks: The Process and Challenges in Kenya George O. Omondi1, Peterson Obara Magutu2, Cliff Ouko Onsongo3 and Linda A. Abong’o4 1 Department of Business Administration, School of Business, University of Nairobi, Nairobi - Kenya 2 Department of Management Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi - Kenya 3 School of Business, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Nairobi - Kenya 4 Central Bank of Kenya, Nairobi - Kenya ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Developing an effective human resource system that is compatible with organizational strategy is critical for the functioning and success of an organization in the competitive business arena. The main objectives of the study were to establish the extent of adoption of strategic human resource management practices among commercial banks in Kenya; and to determine the factors that influence adoption of strategic human resource management practices by commercial banks in Kenya. The research questions were systematically generated from the objectives. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to help draw comparisons and...
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...Business and Management Containing Human Resource Costs During Economic Challenges In: Business and Management Containing Human Resource Costs During Economic Challenges Abstract Being able to remain or become globally competitive while facing challenges within today's economy is a challenge for all types of companies and organizations. When faced with struggling budgets outsourcing and or downsizing are often seen as the only possible solutions for businesses to stay afloat. Trying to maintain competitiveness while downsizing and or outsourcing brings about additional challenges for human resource management organizations. Containing Human Resource Costs During Economic Challenges The current economy brings challenges to every level of a corporation, including human resource management. Maintaining an effective budget is not always easy and becomes even more difficult with the strains of an economic crisis. While the elimination of unnecessary materials and or processes may help in curtailing costs and spending, it is not always an easy task; and an even more difficult task involves the elimination of actual jobs. As companies are faced with having to cut costs, eliminating jobs is sometimes an unfortunate solution. Human resources management is defined as the process of managing human talent to achieve an organization's objectives (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). Being able to effectively execute the process of human resources management relies on several...
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...THE CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION AND THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCES. Muhammad Aminu Bawa (1) Dr Juhary Ali (2) ABSTRACT The current financial crisis, which has engulfed East Asia since July 1997 and has subsequently spread to Russia and Brazil, is one of the most pressing challenges facing countries and businesses in today's global business environment. Globalization represents the structural making of the world characterized by the free flow of technology and human resources across national boundaries as well as the spread of Information Technology (IT) and mass media presenting an ever-changing and competitive business environment. Two major limitations are observed in the treatment of the twin issues of the responses to the East Asian economic crisis and the coverage of the literature on globalization. While the response to the crisis has focused on macroeconomic aspects, the issue of globalization has been addressed predominantly in and with respect to the developed economies of Western Europe, North America and Japan. This paper is an attempt to address these two limitations. Since the human factor is the key in the new era of globalization (Hassan, 1992; Sims & Sims, 1995), the primary objective of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for effective management of human resources as a response to the growing interaction of globalization and business performance. Three central arguments are made in this paper. (1) That a growing body of evidence converge...
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...Challenges of Human Resource Managers In a time of increasing globalization, economic rationalization, competitiveness, deregulation, technological revolution and changing workforce there is an increasing need for human resource management to be able to capitalize and gain on the challenges that this changing environment will bring. For a company to be able to successfully stay ahead of its competition, human resource management has to be seen as a significant contributor within the company. Human resource management will face many challenges and will operate in a constant environment of change. Two of the most important challenges to the role of human resource management in the future is the capacity to develop and utilize a new set of competencies to fulfill the changing roles and the ability to move to a strategic human resource. In this assignment I will outline how each of these areas have developed to become two of the most important changes for Human Resource Managers and why I believe they are critical to the success of an organization. Strategic Human Resource Management The literature on the changing role of human resource management stresses the requirement to move from an administrative support function, or the more traditional human resource operational management model, to a strategic and facilitative role. To sustain the transformation of the human resource functions to a Strategic Human Resource Management model; it will require human resource...
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...Human Resource Management Challenges The rapidly transforming business landscape means that there are currently many human resource management challenges which will continue to evolve for years to come. Tom Marsden, Director of Professional Services at Alexander Mann Solutions says that HR departments really need to be adding real business value to their organizations. "Although the restrictions of the recession aren't over yet, companies are recognizing that in 2010, they will need to take steps to retain their workforce. This could be through an increased emphasis on training and engagement programs or by investing in areas that will optimize expenditure, such as integrated technology systems or improved candidate attraction schemes. The signs are that HR departments are preparing to maximize their resources and staff as organizations look to grow." The Evolution of HR Professionals Coach. Counselor. Employee advocate. Business strategist. As the business world changes, so does the role of HR professionals. Since human resources is a business-driven function, effectiveness depends on a thorough understanding of the strategic corporate direction, as well as the ability to influence key policies and decisions. In addition, human resource management challenges must be defined and solutions determined in order to succeed. Today's Top 10 Human Resource Management Challenges Due to the fluctuating economy as well as local and global advancements, there are many changes occurring...
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...Health Care Human Resources Management It used to be that human resource was only thought of as the department who hires employees and safe keeps the clerical part of the organization. Human Resource is much more involved in the entire structure of the organization then just the clerical part of it. Human Resource Management (HRM) is the term used to describe formal systems devised for the management of people within an organization. The HRM department is responsible for three major areas including staffing, employee compensation and benefits and defining and designing work. HRM works for the benefit of the organization through managing its greatest business asset which is the employees. The task of managing employees of an organization brings many challenges, how HRM must remain focused on recruiting, retaining and engaging their organizations leaders and workforce to be successful. Several new trends are affecting how HRM make their hiring decisions. Two recent trends important to HRM leaders are leadership compensation/competencies and workforce engagement. In the setting of limited resources and new government mandates, healthcare is moving toward value-based care. HRM is now challenged to adjust executive compensation to keep in step with the industry change. In a population health model, physicians receive a value-based reimbursement to care rather than a fee for services. The physicians’ performance needs to be continually monitored in order to accurately...
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...coming of information age and lowering of trade barriers, as a result firms have to think of new and effective ideas to compete with other competitors. Human capital is the most special asset of a company. It is special because people cannot be separated from their knowledge, skills, health, or values in the way they can be separated from their financial and physical assets (Becker, 2008). The result, organizations’ aim is to make their own human capital special that other organizations cannot copy. Competitive advantage is secured when organizations have skills and capabilities that are unique, difficult to replicate and imitate by competitors (Rainbird, 1995). HRD is a process of developing and unleashing human expertise through organization development, personnel training and development for the purpose of improving performance (Swanson & Holton, 2001). McCracken and Wallace have mentioned in their article that, organizations should ensure any investment which is made in human capital with the promotion of HRD strategy is clearly linked to the wider corporate strategy (2000). Strategic approach to HRD is a relative new concept in HRD and training and development fields. It is not a traditional training and developing view of interventions in response to specific problems of organizations (Beer & Spector, 1998). A strategic approach to HRD is a multi-level concept whose contribution to the organization is to enhance its performance in the long-term (Garavan, 2007). It suggests...
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...KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS THE USE OF STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING CORPORATE OBJECTIVE IN THE MICROFINANCE SECTOR. (A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS) BY: ACKON BEATRICE APRAKU ESTHER ASABEA OPPONG-SEKUM KINGSLEY A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OPTION) MAY, 2015 DECLARATION We the undersigned, declare that this is the result of our own research work carried out in the School of Business, and under the supervision of Mr. Emmanuel Oheneba-Acquah ACKON BEATRICE 8535512 …………………………… …………………………… APRAKU ESTHER ASABEA 8548912 …………………………… …………………………… SEKUM-OPPONG KINGSLEY 8584412 …………………………… …………………………… CERTIFIED BY: EMMANUEL OHENEBA-ACQUAH……………………….. ……………………………. (SUPERVISOR) SIGNATURE DATE MR. J.E TURKSON ………………….. ……………………………. (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT) SIGNATURE DATE DEDICATION This study is dedicated to the Almighty God, we made this possible despite the many challenges faced and to our supervisor Mr. Emmanuel Oheneba-Acquah whose patience and intellect, guided us through this whole phase. We appreciate you! ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...
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...Human resource management is responsible for how people are treated in organizations. It is responsible for bringing people into the organization, helping them perform their work, compensating them for their labors, and solving problems that arise. Recession presents a very difficult time for any existing organization in today’s corporate world and no company is exempted from this truth. The biggest challenge for companies and especially Human Resource in this economy downturn is to survive and to remain competitive, companies reorganized and reengineered to reduce waste. Recession poses unique challenges to the HR department. Human resources professionals often struggle to obtain the resources they need to effectively manage people in the workplace, and the difficulties that they face are augmented when economic conditions worsen. It is essential for every company to know how to implement the right metric set for this very trying period. I. Introduction In today's arena the most common word we come across is recession. Recession is a general slowdown in economic activity over a long period of time. A recession normally takes place when consumers lose confidence in the growth of the economy and spend less. This leads to a decreased demand for goods and services, which in turn leads to a decrease in production, lay-offs and rise in unemployment. Investors also show less interest which affects the capital and financial flows, import - export and overall Gross Domestic Product...
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...ASSIGNMENT 1: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Contents Question 1: 1 Question 2 4 Question 2.1 4 Question 2.2 8 Question 3 12 Question 3.1 12 Question 3.2 15 Bibliography 21 List of Figures Figure 1: Model of effective Performance Management Process 5 Figure 2: Steps and Responsibilities in the Career Management Process 9 Figure 3: Strategy - decisions about competition 15 List of Tables Table 1: HR Practices utilized by Marks & Spencer to address strategic needs 17 Question 1: In an industry where competition is intense, developing staff has probably never been so important. By training and developing its staff, discuss how Marks & Spencer is in a position to develop a competitive advantage over its competitors. Introduction A competitive advantage is a superiority that an organization can gain over its competitors by providing the same value at lower prices or charging higher prices for providing greater value through differentiation, Business Dictionary (2015). Grobler et al (2011:9) noted that in the past the focus of Human Resources (HR) was an administrative one (traditional HR) with focus on personnel issues, more recently HR has been recognized as being contributory to the organization’s overall strategy. HR is therefore an integral part of achieving competitive advantage. One such HR practice that enables competitive advantage is in training and development of its staff. Noe et al (2012:98) noted that in the knowledge...
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...Human Resources Management Jennifer Brown HCS 341 April 2, 2011 Instructor Lisa Smith With the many challenges facing the health care industry today, it is easy to overlook the advantageous roles human resources management has on the health care industry. The personnel can take on divergent roles, depending on the needs of the organization. Human resources is not merely a matter of recruiting the most qualified employee, but it also involves strategic HR planning, handling major HR challenges, and resolving unfair labor practices. The process of formulating HR strategies and establishing programs or tactics to implement them is called strategic human resource (HR) planning (Gómez-Mejía, 2010, p. 22). It is a responsibility for HR managers to improve the organizations performance while providing various direct and indirect benefits for the company. When done well, strategic planning is a highly participatory process, engaging staff to the organization’s central purpose. In the health care industry ensuring that all employees have time for training is essential for improved performance. Human resources managers must develop a communication plan to guide supervisors on the importance of education and employee development. HR managers have the experience to face many challenges, which involve environmental, organizational, and individual factors. These three challenges are important for human resources managers to deal with effectively before they become major problems...
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...Strategic Management of Human Resources Section A: (Take around 15 minutes to answer each question, 1 or max 1.5 pages for each question) 1. What do we mean by the terms ‘Best fit’ and ‘Best practice’ to describe SHRM (Strategic Human Resource Management). Which is better? Use any short case examples to illustrate your discussion? The best answers will be offering a sharp definition, discussion of the key differential factors associated with the models and a critique of the issues and tensions organizations face. The best answers will introduce the strategy process behind the models, planning, competence and the flow from the business strategy. They will be able to focus around the vision of the organization the values and how this is worked through with better examples. 2. How are Human Resource Departments responding to the challenge of SHRM? Answers will use the Ulrich or similar framework and assessing the challenges HR faces with respect to becoming strategic actors and business partners. They will be able to offer more contemporary information / discussion updating progress toward becoming business partners and change agents with some examples beyond the basic module guide. This will offer a critical and challenging view point. They will offer a comprehensive update on what it means to measure HR value added, develop the function around consultancy and basic service functions and be able to offer more on audit and the relationship with other line...
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...Mankin: Human Resource Development, Chapter 3 Answers to the end of chapter review questions 1. Explain the difference between vertical and horizontal alignment. Vertical strategic alignment (also termed vertical integration and external fit) is the process by which the HRD strategy, policies and plans are aligned with an organisation’s strategic goals and objectives. HRD interventions and initiatives are designed to support the organisation’s business strategy and strategic objectives. For instance, designing and implementing change management training to support a merger or acquisition strategy. In horizontal alignment (also termed horizontal integration or internal fit) the HRD function ensures that the HRD strategy, policies, plans and practices are consistent with the HRM strategy, policies, plans and practices. For instance, ensuring the set of competencies underpinning a management development programme is the same as that used for recruitment and selection. However, horizontal alignment goes beyond ensuring consistency between HRD and HRM. There is a need for a wider horizontal integration of organisational processes and activities: operational integration, intellectual integration, social integration and emotional integration (Ghosal & Gratton, 2005). 2. Summarise the key challenges facing the HRD practitioner in developing a strategic approach to HRD. Changing organisational culture is probably the biggest challenge confronting HRD practitioners. It is much more...
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...Human Resources Management in Health Care HCS341 Human Resources Management in Health Care Human resource departments oversee everything and have their hands in everything that is vitally essential to a business. The key to any successful human resource manager is the ability to employ successful human resource strategies and tactics. Human resource strategies are regarded as most important, as it refers to an organization’s use of their human resources as an approach to effectively use its people efficiently to accomplish their goal; human resource tactics are policies used to further an organization’s strategic goal (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, Chapter 1: Meeting Present and Emerging Strategic Human Resource Challenges, 2010). How human resource managers in health care stay up to date with the times, as well as the shift of how the role of the human resource manager is viewed will be discussed in this paper. Staying Innovative Human resource managers must find innovative ways to keep up with the growing challenges of the healthcare field and the business standpoint. Some of these challenges include, but are not limited to: an ever changing field of work; overhead costs; diversity, which is now required in most businesses; and a very important one not to forget, technology (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, Chapter 1: Meeting Present and Emerging Strategic Human Resource Challenges, 2010). If one does not have a website or ways to reach customers on a technological...
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...Human Resource Planning Assignment #1 Submitted by: Larissa Kunashko Lydia Abraham Sunny (Baoyue) Cai Veronika Savina Submitted to: Yvonne Francis Table of Content EXECUTIVE SUMMARY-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Page 2 PART A. The Organization and Its Mission History of the Organization ------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 Corporate and Business Strategies ----------------------------------------------------- Page 3 Environmental Challenges Challenge from Competitors ------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 Geographic Challenge ---------------------------------------------------------------Page 4 Economic Challenge -----------------------------------------------------------------Page 4 Challenge from Technology --------------------------------------------------------Page 5 Challenge from Political Legislation ----------------------------------------------Page 5 Social and Cultural Challenge ----------------------------------------------------- Page 6 Competitive Position ---------------------------------------------------------------------Page 6 Competitive Advantages ---------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 Industry Analysis ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 7 Company Structure ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 PART B. The...
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