Topic 7: Staffing

1. Define Human Resource (HR) Planning

Definition: Human Resource (HR) planning is part of the organization strategic planning as it deals with how organizations assess the future supply and demand for human resources

Importance:

  • Ensures organizational goals are achieved.

  • Enhances competitiveness in the market.

  • Addresses labour surplus (e.g., layoffs or early retirement) and labour shortages (e.g., recruiting, outsourcing, or hiring temporary employees).


2. Define and Process of Recruitment

Definition:

  • Recruitment means organizational activities that influence the number and types of applicants who apply for a job and whether the applicants accept jobs that are offered

  • The process of finding and attracting job candidates who are qualified to fill job vacancies.

  • There are two types of recruitment

    • Internal recruitment

      • Advantage

        • Low Cost

        • Motivates employee

      • Disadvantage

        • Inbreeding

        • Morale problems for those not get promoted

    • External recruitment

      • Advantage

        • New perspective and skills

      • Disadvantage

        • High Cost

        • Selected may not fit the job


Process:

1) Determining a need

2) Applicant search and selection

3) Decision-making process

4) Adaptation to the workplace


3. Job Analysis

Definition: Studying a job in order to understand what is needed in the job and how to perform the job successfully


Job Characteristics (The applicants need to have to perform well)

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Attitudes

Job Descriptions (Explains what the job is)

  • Task, Behaviour, Responsibilities

Job Specifications (Explains who would suit the job)

  • Specific knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Employee characteristics


2. Sources of Job Applicants

There are two major sources of job applicants which is internal and external sources.


Internal Sources

Definition: Internal sources refer to individuals inside the organization who are transferred from different department or promoted to fill in the vacancies


External Sources

Definition: External sources refer to


Common External Sources:

  1. Media Advertisements: Candidates respond to job postings in newspapers, websites, or social media.

  2. Job Fairs: Events where multiple organizations meet potential applicants.

  3. Colleges and Universities: Fresh graduates often seek career opportunities.

  4. Employment Agencies: Specialized firms that match candidates with employers.

  5. Word-of-Mouth: Referrals from existing employees or networks.


3. Describe the Various Roles Played by Recruiters

Recruiters are responsible for attracting, evaluating, and hiring the right candidates. They act as a bridge between the organization and job applicants.

Key Roles:

  1. Gatekeepers:

    • Control the flow of candidates entering the selection process.

    • Ensure only qualified candidates move forward.

  2. Educators:

    • Provide applicants with detailed information about the job and organization.

    • Explain organizational culture, job expectations, and benefits.

  3. Marketing Agents:

    • Promote the organization as an attractive place to work.

    • Highlight the company’s strengths, such as career growth, work-life balance, and competitive benefits.

  4. Negotiators:


    • Ensure both parties agree on terms that meet their expectations.

Opportunities and Limitations:

  • Opportunities:

    • Build a positive reputation for the organization through effective communication.

    • Identify top talent to contribute to organizational growth.

  • Limitations:

    • Untrained recruiters may lead to poor hiring decisions.

    • Biases or lack of clear communication can create dissatisfaction among candidates.

Summary Table:


Learning Objective

Key Points

HR Planning

Aligns current workforce with future needs to ensure organizational goals are met.

External Job Sources

Includes media ads, job fairs, graduates, agencies, and referrals for recruiting candidates.

Roles of Recruiters

Gatekeepers, educators, marketing agents, and negotiators; essential for attracting talent.