Human Resource Management

Harvard Model

What is HRM ?

Strategic and coherent approach to the

management of an organizations most
valued assets the people working there
who individually and collectively contribute
to the achievement of its objectives.

HRM SYSTEM
1.

2.
3.

4.

5.
6.

HR philosophies (values and guiding

principles adopted in managing people)
HR strategies (defining the direction)
HR policies (how values, principles should
be applied)
HR processes ( formal procedures and
methods put HR plans into effect)
HR practices ( informal approaches used)
HR programmes (which enable strategies,
policies, practices to be implemented)

The Harvard School Model

The Harvard School Model

(Harvard framework, map)

By Michael Beer, Richard Walton, Quinn

Mills, P. Lawrence And Bert Spector;
Their Book Managing Human Assets 1984.

The Harvard Model

Describe individual and team areas for

growth

Characteristics of HRM in Harvard

framework

1)line managers accept more responsibility

for ensuring the alignment of competitive
strategy and personnel policy
2) personnel has the mission of setting
policies that govern how personnel activities
are developed and implemented in ways that
make them more mutually reinforcing

The Harvard Map or model outlines

four HR policy areas:

Human
resource flows

Reward
systems

Employee
influence
Work systems

Which in turn lead to the 'four C's' or HR

policies that have to be achieved:
4 Cs

Commitment

Competence

Cost
effectiveness

Congruence

Factors Affecting HR

Legislation
The Economic environment
The global economy
The structure of the labor market
The Political environment
Changes in technology
Need to constantly retrain staff

The Policy Decision

The formalities to bargain with Government

legislation, trade unions and workers council
consultations
The decision to minimise external power and
influence
Encompass management and employee group
interaction

Thanks