Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management

This module examines two related issues influencing contemporary HR policy that can impact upon individual

workers. These are, firstly, factors that could lead employees to believe that the employment relationship they hold with their organisation has been violated and, secondly, employee resistance to organisational change. The course critically examines the limitations of best practice traditions in HR management in the light of recent changes to the structure, content and stability of UK work and employment and the effects these may have on the employee?s psychological contract. Students examine and evaluate the effects of change on contemporary HR policy areas like career systems, and the use of psychological testing in selection and assessment. Hitherto neglected issues like organisational misbehaviour, unemployment, social identity and employee ownership are also examined in the present context to elaborate understanding of the challenges facing the HR function?s attempts to design and manage new organisational forms. In the light of these organisational change and policy problems, the second part of the course focuses on the management of change and the practices involved in Organisational Development. Most weight is placed on the concepts and findings offered by critical research into the assumptions and effectiveness of HR practices and management behaviour, and the effects of these practices and behaviours on individual employees, especially when related to organisational change.