HRM Theory
This is assignment two of transformational paper (I would love to work with people who did the transformational paper)
Assignment Task
You are required to produce an essay which critically evaluates a contemporary HRM theory and applies your theoretical conceptual framework to a specific organisation’s practice and comments on how theory fits with practice in relation to that organisation. Both the theory and the organisation must be appropriate.
There are many contemporary human resource management (HRM) theories that have been developed in recent years. Some examples include:
Talent management: This theory focuses on identifying, developing, and retaining top talent within an organization. It emphasizes the importance of aligning HR practices with business goals and strategies in order to attract and retain high-performing employees.
Human capital theory: This theory views employees as assets or investments that can contribute to an organization’s success. It emphasizes the role of HR in developing the skills and knowledge of employees in order to enhance their value to the organization.
Servant leadership: This theory suggests that effective leaders should prioritize the needs of their employees and work to develop their skills and abilities. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and empowering work environment.
Transformational leadership: This theory suggests that effective leaders inspire and motivate their followers to achieve a shared vision or goal. It emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an organization.
High-performance work systems: This theory suggests that organizations can achieve a competitive advantage by aligning HR practices with business strategies in order to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of employees.
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2 Assignment Format
Your assignment should be 3,000 words (+/- 10%). You should present your assignment using 12 point font and double line spacing.
Provide a front cover and appropriately introduce your essay and reach conclusions. You may use some key sub-headings but as this is an essay you do not use a numbering system or provide a contents page.
Note that you may include figures and diagrams as appropriate or appendices. Figures, diagrams and appendices do not count in the word count (and neither do the references). You should never use a figure, diagram or appendix to make a point; all key points should be made in your narrative.
Ensure that you follow the USW Harvard referencing system.
Three main components of the essay
Critically evaluate theory relating to HRM/OD to produce a theoretical conceptual framework
Apply theoretical conceptual framework to practice observed in a work organisation (one where you work or another organisation)
Comment on the fit between theory and practice (fit and lack of fit).
On these presentations I have provided guidance on each slide by pressing on the grey loud speaker icon, on the bottom left of the presentation. There are also two recordings where I have gone through these presentations – located on Blackboard.
Pick your organisation & find out the information
Choose your topic & select your one to two themes
Research and write the assignment…
Introduction
Part 1 – critical review of literature on chosen theme
Part 2 – organisational application
Part 3 – commentary on the fit between theory and practice
Conclusion
References
Appendices
More detail on each of these sections is included in the presentations I mention above. On the presentations I have also added links to study skills and support from the librarian. Everything you need is there.
We hope you have a great Christmas break and a happy 2023.
Best wishes
Sian and Monica
Structure of the Paper
Introduction to:
Essay (aim and objectives, “navigation” (with linking commentary throughout)
Organisation
Literature Review (Theory)
Introduction to theory (brief)
Critical Assessment of theory overall to explain overall ideas (themes)
Focused discussion of chosen THEME(s2-3 themes) with clear evaluative commentary about how theoretical ideas compare/contrast/critique –bring out sub-themes and nuanced ideas.
The different themes I’ve seen in her slides are 1,Coaching, 2,organizational development and change management,3,Employee Engagement,4,stress (stress at work)
Organisational Practice
Introduction to the organisation’s practice in relation to the chosen topic
Critical consideration of evidence – Focused discussion of organisational practice in relation to each chosen theme(s)/sub-themes within that them and nuanced ideas within sub-themes
Practice/fit
Application of overall themes in theory to your organisation/comment on relative fit between theory and practice
Focused discussion of organisational practice in relation to each chosen theme(s)/sub-themes within that them and nuanced ideas within sub-themes and relative fit between theory and practice
Conclusions
References
35 references (use USW referencing guide)
I have attached the guidelines for this
3 Assessment Weightings
The assessment of different aspects of your assignment will be % weighted as follows:
Area of Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Weighting
Critical review of the theoretical topic relating to HRM theory (including appropriate referencing)
1, 2
35
Understanding of relevant practice in relation to the organisation (including appropriate referencing)
1, 2
35
Commentary on the fit between theory and practice
1, 2
20
Clarity of key messages
1, 2
10
Total
100%
