Contemporary Perspectives on HRM Theory

COURSE OBJECTIVE
Academic & Research Skills: First, students will be able to understand complex organizational problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Second, students will be able to identify the gap between HR theory and HR practice, and thereby, formulate research problems.

Bridging Theory and Practice: First, students will acquire knowledge of the history, philosophy, and the contemporary developments in the study of Human Resource Management by reviewing scientific articles. Second, students will gain an appreciation for theories which (should ) inform the HR professional in playing a strategic role in assisting management with syncretizing organizational goals and employee talent. Third, students will gain awareness of the broader society and the role of the HR professional in assisting management with understanding the significance of HR theory, societal realities in the HR Planning process. Fourth, students will develop an appreciation of the interaction between organizations’ financial capacity and the influence of societal realities including economic conditions, international treaties, labor market situations, and the demographic composition, and how these realities impinge on the HR decision making process. Based on empirical data gained from a review of the literature, students will identify relevant HR theory and HR practices to address complex organizational problems from an interdisciplinary perspective which includes workplace diversity a.o. gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture and demographic composition. Additionally, students will understand the need for theories which inform Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in the workplace.

COURSE CONTENT
Human Resource Management is the design of formal systems in an organization to ensure the effective and efficient use of human talent. These formal systems should generate activities that involve the utilization and development of an organization’s resources which include personnel, technical equipment, and policies. Thereby, an organization is equipped with essential elements to facilitate individual, groups and teams with achieving stated goals. The study of HRM is informed by the behavioral and social sciences which includes psychology, economics, law, anthropology and sociology.

In this course emphasis is given to the HR theory which underpins HR practices. Therefore, special attention is given to identifying the gap between HR theory and HR practices in an organization context, this will include contemporary topics such as Workplace Diversity, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Thus, a variety of theories will be explained.

METHOD OF TEACHING
Lectures, Tutorials

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Examination -60% of final score Case study- in teams 40% of final score