HUMAN

RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
IN THE PUBLIC
SECTOR
Management

1. (a)Managers are involved in two types of functions which are:*

(i) Operational responsibilities; and

(ii) Efficient discharge of Human Resource.

(b) The mix of the General/ Managerial functions is the same at all levels of management.*
True or False

False

2. State the three Managerial skills.*

(a) Technical;

(b) Conceptual; and

(c) Human/Interpersonal Management Skills.

3. Name the two components of a high performing organisation? *

(a) Innovation and Organisational learning;

(b) Employee involvement

4. (a) Complete the following sentence with the missing words. *

Private sector organizations are profit oriented whereas Public sector organisations are
people oriented.

(b) Give 2 examples for each category of organisation.

Private sector:

(i) MCB (ii) Hotel

Public sector:

(i) Ministry of Health (ii) Ministry of Energy

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5. (a) There is a uniform application of HRM in all organisations. * True or False

False

(b) Comment briefly on the key aims of New Public Management. (Not more than 40
words)

The aim of New Public Management is to reform the organisation and procedures of the public
service sector in order to make it more competitive and efficient in resource use and service
delivery.

6. How is the Supervising function organised in the in the Civil Service. (Not more than 40
words)

In the Civil Service, the term Supervising Officer is typically used to designate the top ranking
executive officer – the Senior Chief Executive or Permanent Secretary. Down the hierarchy, at
each level, the supervising function is delegated and assigned to designated officer.

7. (a) Examine the various definitions of Human Resource Management(HRM) provided

in the manual and formulate in your own words a suitable definition of HRM.

(Not more than 40 words)

Human Resource Management is the strategic and coherent approach to the management of an
organisation’s most valued assets- the people working there who individually and collectively
contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the business. The HRM discipline covers both
academic concept and a business practice that address the theoretical and practical techniques of
managing a workforce.

8. (a) Comment briefly on the concept of SHRM (Not more than 40 words)

Strategic human resource management is the practice of attracting, developing, rewarding, and
retaining employees for the benefit of both the employees as individuals and the organization as

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a whole. Strategic HRM utilizes the talent and opportunity within the human resources
department to make other departments stronger and more effective.

(b) The link between HRM and strategic management of organisations is becoming more
pronounced.* True or False

True

9. Explain the concept of “Strategic integration or fit”. (Not more than 40 words)

Strategic integration or fit is the gradual combination and transformation of independent

components of business organizations into cohesive and synergistic entities. It is an important
element in the process of improving organizational performance because it facilitates the
continuous alignment of business strategies within the ever changing business environment.
Firms use strategic integration to confront the consequences of both predictable transitions and
unpredictable challenges that are bound to occur at different levels of business operations.

10. What is the main objective of Pay Research Bureau (PRB)? (Not more than 40 words)

PRB has to review the pay and grading structures and conditions of service in the Civil Service,
Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Parastatal and other Statutory Bodies, Local Authorities and the
Private Secondary Schools and to make appropriate recommendations to ensure that reward in
the public sector keeps pace with those of corresponding positions in the private sector, to the
extent that it is desirable.

11. Name the five roles that an HR Manager can undertake:

1 Plan the different activities affecting the organisation. For example, to plan the recruitment of
talented and skilled workers, to plan the training of the present workforce.

2 Organise activities affecting the organisation. Activities may take place both at departmental
and organisational level

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3 Leading the people of the Human Resource department. The HR Manager is responsible for
leading his workers on the right way

4 Controlling the activities of the Human Resource department and of the organisation.
Controlling means taking corrective measures so that deviations do not occur from the stated
plans and objectives

5 Providing guidance and direction to compensation and benefits specialists. Within this
discipline, human resources managers develop strategic compensation plans, align performance
management systems with compensation structure.

12. (a)What do the following acronyms stand for :

PMS Performance Management System

PSMRC Public Sector Management Reforms Committee

DFSC Disciplined Forces Service Commission

(b) What does the term “Public Service” mean?

"Public Service", as in the Constitution, means the service of the State in a civil capacity in
respect of the Government of the Republic of Mauritius.

13. What is the meaning of the term “competitive advantage”? Briefly state how the
concept of “competitive advantage” can be applied to the Public sector.

Competitive advantage relates to attributes such as superior market position, skills or resources
that enable organisations to out perform their competitors.

Competitive advantage can be achieved in the public service by adopting a value creating
strategy simultaneously through the different organisations in the public sector.

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14. Relations between employers and employee are governed by two types of agreement .
Name the two types of agreement.

(i) the contract of employment

(ii) the psychological contract

15. Define a “Scarcity Area”. Give one example of a scarcity area.

The unavailability of suitably qualified persons on the local labour market to the inadequacy of
the pay package and other conditions of service compared to those obtaining for similar
occupations elsewhere. Marine Engineering Surveyor, Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

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