Characteristics of HRM

Human Resource Management involves all the activities necessary for manpower management. The concept of
HRM involves the following characteristics:
a. Element of management functions: Human resource management is an important part of managerial
functions along with planning, organizing, directing and controlling. It is the process of acquisition,
development, motivation and maintenance of human resources in the organization. It involves the rules,
policies, procedures and practices concerned with management of employees of the organization. It has
close relation with all the functions of the management.
b. Emphasize on manpower: Human resource management focuses on all the activities essential for
manpower management. It involves all the activities concerned with acquisition to maintenance of
employees in the organization. It emphasizes on use of full potentiality of employees for the improvement
of their productivity. It also involves activities necessary for efficiency development of employees and
providing incentives on the basis of their skills.
c. Dynamic activity: Human resource management is a dynamic activity as environment is changeable. An
effective human resource management system today may not be effective after certain duration of time. It
needs to be modified on the basis of changing environment of the society. It is necessary to make the HRM
system of the organization adaptive with changing environment.
d. Pervasive function: Human resource management is the common functions of all level of management. On
the basis of assigned responsibility, middle and subordinate level managers also involve in HRM function.
They involve in HRM function in accordance of guidance from top level management. It makes HRM
function convenient and effective.
e. Continuous function: Human resource management is a continuous function up to the existence and
functioning of the organization. When an enterprise has achieved one objective it plans for achievement of
another objective. For achievement of a new objective it is necessary to prepare and implement a new
human resource plan. It ensures continues commitment of employees toward objectives.
f. System oriented: Human resource management is system oriented. It is the part of whole system of the
organization. All the activities related with HRM consisting of acquisition, development, motivation and
maintenance are done in accordance of organizational rules, regulations and policies. It is necessary for
effective use of human resource.
g. Focus on organizational strategy: Human resource management focuses on organizational plan, policy and
strategy. HRM system is developed by making link with organizational objectives and strategies. It is
supportive for effective use of human and other physical resources of the organization. It helps to minimize
wastage and maximize productivity of the organization.
h. Social process: Human resource management is the part of social process. Managers need to work with
subordinates to meet objectives. Therefore, manager needs to maintain harmonious relation with all the
subordinates. Besides, it is essential to provide incentives to them on the basis of their performance and job
responsibility. It encourages the employees to accomplish assigned job.
i. Integration of mutual interest: Human resource management emphasizes on integration of both
organizational and individual objectives of employees. Organizational objective is to earn profit and wealth
by maximizing business volume whereas individual objective of employees is to earn financial incentives in
terms of salary, allowance, bonus etc. However, first preference should be given to achieve organizational
objectives.
j. Essential in all organizations: The function of human resource management is necessary in all types of
organizations consisting of manufacturing, trading and service business. The HRM system may differ on
the basis of nature of business of the organization. For example, HRM system of a manufacturing
organization should differ from HRM system of a service organization. It is also essential in government
and social institutions.