Personnel Department Effectiveness and Functions

Personnel Department durability and Functions2.1 INTRODUCTIONThe effectiveness of any shaping in general, is a direct function of the quality of the individuals who make up that ecesis. The intimacy, sciences, abilities, and loading of the members of the organization together constitute the nigh critical ingredient in the pass awayledge and implementation of ply plans and the delivery of products and services. With issue the full commitment of its employees, an organization cannot put through its objectives. Consequently, the attraction, organization, development and motivation of employees which is the force play function of management be a central debt instrument at all(prenominal) levels of management that is from the chief executive to the head start line supervisor.2.2 WHAT IS PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT?Thither argon many definitions of military group segment management, but all basically say that it is attracting and create competent employees and creating the o rganisational conditions which takings in their full utilization and encourages them to put forth their surmount efforts.1In any organization, there has to be someone concerned with the welfargon and per descriptorance of persons who be a part of the operation. When an individual or a team of individuals takes on this task of seeing to programs and setting policies that impact everyone associated with the company, they atomic flesh 18 call ford in the fulfil of personnel segment management, sometimes resuscitatered to as human resources management,According to Franklin A., personnel management is based on c arful handling of relationships among individuals at decease and is the art of forecasting, acquiring, developing and main(prenominal)taining competent workforce so that the organization derives maximum do honorable in terms of carry throughance and efficiency.2Personnel Management is that part of management which is concerned with, tribe at work and their relatio nship deep down the organization. It can besides be defined as that aspect of an organization, which is concerned with obtaining the scoop possible staff for the origination, aspect after them so well that they will like to catch ones breath in the organization and give off their best in their conjectures. It has to do with how best to engross the skills and intelligence of large number towards the achievement of organizational objectives.3From the definitions quoted by mingled management experts in the past or present, the inference that we derive is that personnel management aims at attaining maximum efficiency and to yield maximum benefits to the organization.Two study flowers most personnel management ar implied in this definition. First, effective personnel management must(prenominal)iness be future oriented. Support for organizational objectives now and for the foreseeable future must be provided through a steady supply of competent and fitted employees. Secon d, effective personnel management is action oriented. The emphasis must be placed on solution of battle issues and problems to support organizational objectives and facilitate employee development and merrimentTo sum up, Personnel management aims at achieving these major stepsAnalyzing the plan for future action and expansion.Estimating the quantitative and qualitative aspects of labour.Assessing the requirement of vivacious work force or human resource.Formulating the plan for effective utilization of men, less(prenominal)en under utilization or mis-utilization of men which is one of the most important resources.Finalizes the planning for reanimatement, cream, packaging, transfer, nurture and development.Organizational effectivenesBasically Personnel management has legitimate goals and objectives to put to death which acceptsCreating a congenial and healthy environment for employees or workers to function effectively.To bring closely organizational and human resource development through prep atomic number 18, development political programs or even tutorial succession planning. extract and placement of right number of people and ensuring halal allocation of duties and responsibilities upon them.Creating better inter-personal relations, developing a sense of responsibility and responsiveness amongst workers and employees.Boosting the morale and sense of initiative amongst employees.Adopting best techniques or conceivable methods to bring best possible development of workers on work.2.2.1 Functions of the Personnel DepartmentA well-organized personnel department of an organization performs the following functions. Typically personnel work is concerned withi. manpower Planning This is the first function of the personnel department. It has to do with the run by which a firm ensures that the required staff in terms of qualification and number is on hand(predicate) at the right time. It involves find out personnel unavoidably in relations to the objectives of the organization. It hence deals with the qualification or education, skills and the appropriate number of personnel a firm should engage. It is and then the process of assessing, pointing, or forecasting an organizations manpower postulate in a relation to its plans.ii. traffic/ enlisting After the manpower motivatings of the organization move over been determined, the next stage is the make an guarantee to employ the right caliber of personnel into the organization. This involves finding sources of labour supply, carrying out recruitment, survival of the fit taste and placement into the organization.iii. schooling/Training and Development The personnel department is responsible for the homework, education and the development of employees. It is the bringing up unavoidably brace been determined, it is the responsibility of the department to design an appropriate programme by determining the method to be used, the course content, the continuan ce and the institution or person to conduct the training. Training alters employees to adjust to new trends, improve their exertion on the traffic and prepargon them for promotion.iv. Wage and salary formation Wage and salary Administration is one of the important functions of the personnel department. It is responsible for designing straightforward and attractive wage and salary schemes for employees in an organization. It alike determines how extra time payments. Bonuses and otherwise fringe benefits are to be paid. It is to a fault responsible for surveying the labour securities industry and making the necessary changes and adjustments to the wage and salary structures to reflect the proceeds and salaries policies of the government of the day.v. Health, Safety and Welfare of Employment- Another important function of the Personnel department is to ensure that there are measures to take care of the health, rubber eraser and wellbeing of its employees. It ensures these b y providing first-aid facilities, good ventilation, lighting, drainage and proper operative conditions. It also provides protective gadgets for employees to take down the occurrence of accidents and injuries. Canteen, sports, transport, subvention schemes, group insurance schemes and other amateur programmmes are provided for the welfare of its employees.vi. Industrial Relations The personnel department plays an important role in maintaining a cordial and harmonium working relationship betwixt workers and management. The term industrial relations are used to describe the relationship that exists between employers, employees (trade unions) and the government. slaying appraisal organizing the appraisal process to identify development needs of employees.Personnel brass section record-keeping and monitoring of legislative requirements yoked to equal opportunities and possibly pensions and tax.Communication providing an infixed discipline service, perhaps in the form of staff newspapers or magazines, handouts, booklets, videos.2.3 EMPLOYMENT PROCESSThe affair process which is also referred to as the recruitment process involves a number of activities which are underinterpreted to engage the right caliber of personnel for an organization. It is therefore concerned with the workout and maintenance of qualified and efficient labour force. Employment therefore involves recruitment, filling and placement. The recruitment and selection process involves recruitment, interrelated activities which hold the following.2.3.1 RECRUITMENTIt is the process of acquiring applicators who are available and qualified to action positions in the organization.1 Recruitment refers to the first step in staffing, which is finding people.2 inaugurations of recruitment refer to the various avenues from which the personnel manager whitethorn recruit or employ labour. Recruits are obtained from a mannikin of sources. There source are divided into cardinal main categories, namely internal and external sources. Pieter Grobler (page 167) stemmas of RecruitmentInternal SourceSources of potential candidates are many and varied, but a good starting point is to consider any internal candidates who might be suitable for the post. The exercise whereby the required manpower is obtained within the organization is the internal source. This may take the form of promoting a qualified worker to a advanceder position as they occur.Advantages of Internal SourceThere is less risk of error in selection and placementIt boosts the morale of employees and encourages them it work strongIt is quicker, cheaper and less risky than an outside appointmentThe recruit fits in with the culture of the organization he fucks how we do things hereThe individual also knows the people, systems and the business and thus the induction period will be quickerDisadvantages of Internal SourceNo new ideas, creativity or challenge to the culture and systemsIt run fors to ignore qualified ca ndidates who are not within the systemA post will still need filling-the persons old post. That is he will create some other vacancyThe person may not be the best, qualified or most able candidate out-of-door SourceDepending on management policy and the type of avocation involved. Management has a number of natural selections available for obtaining people from outside the organization. These take onEducational Institutions Organization and companies sometimes recruit fresh graduates from schools, colleges, polytechnics and the universities.Private Employment Agencies Employers who cannot go through the process of recruitment engage consulting firms to do the recruitment for them.Labour Department this is a earthly concern agency found in almost all regional scapitals where employees in search of employment and employers searching for employees go to register. An arrangement is then made to nexus the employer with the prospective employee.Advertisements This is the most c ommon and popular source of external recruitment where companies announce their employment opportunities through the newspapers, magazines, journals, radio and television.Unsolicited Applicant People who are seeking for furrows sometimes apply to organizations without being aware of vacancies in those organizations. If there are vacancies, the applicant may be asked to go through the screening process. Where vacancies are not immediately available, his name will be placed on the waiting list.Employment Referrals- Companies sometime announce capriole vacancies to their staff and ask them to commend friends, relatives and neighbours who might be in need of employment and possess the required qualification and skill.Advantages of External SourceIt channels to the employment of people with new association and ideasIt leads to the employment of qualified and suitable people to fill vacant postsIt promotes good willIts scope of selection is widenedDisadvantages of External SourcesIt is costly and time consumingIt may lead to low morale especially where there are qualified people within the organizationThe risk of making wrong selection is very high2.3.2 JOB ANALYSISIt is the determination of the essential purposeistics of a job. It is therefore a process of determining the nature of the job and the skills, knowledge, sleep withs and abilities of the person who is supposed to perform the job. It therefore contains nurture such as task performed, machines and equipment to be used, materials, products or services involved, training skills, knowledge and personal traits required of the worker. Job analysis therefore describes both the worker and the job so that there are no questions about who is doing what within the firm. Franklin A. (page 156)When undertaken carefully, job analysis could be used toIt provides the data necessary for recruitment, selection and placement of employees.It can be used to get an idea of the acceptable level of instruction executi on for each job (performance appraisal)It is used to device and implement training and development programmesIt provides an hazard to uncover and identify hazardous conditionsJobs may be analyzed in ensnare to ensure that employees are handsomely compensatedThe components of job analysis include.A. Job DescriptionIt specifies the duties and requirements of the job. This is a broad statement describing the purpose, scope, duties and responsibilities of a particular job. It states the backup and location of the hob, grade/salary level of the job, limits of authority, number of subordinates, corporeal working conditions, machines, tools and equipment used, product or service produced etc. it typically portrays job content. In short, it summarizes all the basic tasks that are required to be performed on a job. A job description is what the worker does. Franklin A. (page 167)Importance of Job DescriptionEach employee gets to know what is expected of him. It economic aids to avoid o verlapping.It helps determine the rate of pay which is fair for the job.It helps in appraising and training employeesIt makes it possible for new employees to be given orientation with regards to their duties and responsibilities.It provides information from which particular hob vacancies can be advertisedIt guides the personnel manager in the development of job specificationSELECTIONThis is the process by which an organization chooses from a list/pool of applicants the person who best meets the job and organizational requirements. The main objective of the selection process is to sort out those judged qualified for the job.(a) Selection Procedurei. Application FormsApplicants who reply to job advertisements are commonly asked to fill in a job application form, or to send a earn giving details about themselves and their previous job experience (Curriculum Vitae or (C.V). An application form is used to find out relevant information about the applicant. It tells the organization whe ther or not an applicant is worthy of an wonder or a test of some kind. Information usually required of candidates include personalised data, educational background, work experience, date of birth, posts and hobbies. An applicant who is deemed suitable on this evidence becomes a candidate for interview.ii. Application Screening (Short-listing)The screening stage involves the sorting out or elimination of those applicants judged unqualified for the job. The personnel manager receives the change application forms, and then screens them to determine those who are qualified to be invited for interview. This becomes necessary since all types of applications are received when jobs are advertised. This stage is also referred to as short-listing. It is do by marching all the applications against the employers requirements.iii. Selection TestsSelection tests are used to supplement other techniques. The tests are usually handled by fully qualified industrial psychologists. It is a practi cal examination to determine whether an applicant is suitable for the job. The assumption behind the judicature of the tests is that a candidate who scores well in the test will to a greater extent likely succeed in the job.Types of testThe types of tests commonly used include-i. Intelligence Tests Their aim is to measure the applicants general intellectual ability. That is they are designed to measure his thinking abilities. They may test the applicants memory, ability to think quickly and logically, and skill at solving problems.ii. Aptitude Tests These are designed to predict an individuals potential for performing a job or learning new skills. They are widely used to obtain information about such skills as mechanical ability, clerical and numerical ability. It measures a persons ability to do something given a good training.iii. Psychological tests Psychological tests may measure a variety of characteristics such as an applicants skill in dealing with other people, ambition and motivation or emotional stability. They usually consist of questionnaires asking respondents to state their interestingness in or preference for jobs, leisure activities etc.Proficiency Tests Proficiency tests are the most closely related test to an assessors objectives, because they measure ability to do the work involvediv. Medical Tests Medical tests are carried out to determine the physical fittingness of the applicant and whether he has any hidden diseases. Candidates who might have contagious diseases will be rejected.INTERVIEWInterview is a conversation or vocal interaction between two or much people for a particular purpose. Interviewing is a crucial part of the selection process because it gives the organization an hazard to assess the applicant directly, and it gives the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the organization and whether he or she wants the jobObjectives of InterviewIt gives the employer an opportunity to obtain information about each ap plicant and to assess his suitability for the job.It enables the employer to check the applicants original documents or educational suretys.It enables the employer to have a critical view of the physical coming into court of the applicantIt also gives him an opportunity to determine the applicants level of intelligence.It provides the applicant an opportunity to know more about the organization, the job and the employees of the organization.References (Background Investigations)References provide further confidential information about the prospective employee. Prospective candidates are normally asked to remit references who can be contacted when the need arises. Such references include schools, colleges, universities, former employers (if any) and relatives. The use of reference compels employees to be honest in supplying information about themselves to an organization. References are brief statements about a candidate made by a third party usually the candidates superior. Thes e statements are used to confirm information supplied by applicants on application forms.PlacementThis is the stage where the new employee is placed on the job. He is delegate to an officer and a superior if he is a clerical worker. It is the responsibility of the superior to give the new employee in-service training where necessary and to provide a record of duties.InductionThis may be conducted by the personnel manager and it is the process of orientating the selected applicant into his or her new working environment. It takes the form of introducing new employees to existing staff, visits to the plants and other departments, informing him/her about his duties and responsibilities, as well as the policies and objective of the organization. Induction simply pith the introduction of a new employee into his or her job or organizationJob ChangesThe post recruitment functions of the personnel manager includes transfers, promotions, demotions and termination.i. Transfers-This occurs w hen employees have been assigned to another branch, department or to another job involving confusable responsibilities, skills and remuneration. The transfer could be from one department to another or one station to another. It may be used to correct an error made during the recruitment process.Reasons for transfersThe close down of a branch or department may call for a transferSelf request by an employee because of his inability to relate well with co-workers of omit of interest in his job or for purposes of frequent medical check-ups delinquent to sickness.Transfer may be used as a punishment deviceA person may also be transferred to take up a new appointmentA fall in the level of production may also necessitate the re-allocation of employees.ii. publicityPromotion may be defined as the transfer of an employee from one job to another which involves a greater responsibility and usually a higher(prenominal) reward (pay). In other words, it involves a change in status and usually means appointment to a higher grade with greater and more challenging responsibilities. It is an important aspect of management because it is through promotion that a worker obtains satisfaction and shows his desire to advance and develop.Promotion PolicyMany tremendous organizations have a policy of filling senior job positions from within the organization. Others also opine in recruitment from outside the organization. Every organization should however come out with a clear policy on promotion so that employees know in advance the criteria to be used in promotion. normally promotion is based on the followingSeniority (length of service)Practical ability (skill)General military strength and loyaltyEducation and qualificationPersonality or characterAdvantages of PromotionPromotion improves morale and motivation of employees in the organization.Promotion helps reduce labour-turn over in an organizationIt is seen as a reward for dedicated service, hard work, loyalty and obedience to rules and regulations of the organization.Fair promotions create a feeling of content among employees and retain their interest in the company.It helps employees to put in extra effort to help attain organizational objectivesIt improves the earning power and status of the employeesProblems of promotionmore qualified employees may be ignored or overlookedan employee adjudged competent when promoted may perform below expectationqualified personnel when overlooked in time of promotion may feel dejected and unrecognized. This may affect his morale and for that count his overall performance.A worker who has a special interest in his/her job e.g. fracture in a financial institution may disavow to accept promotion.iii. DemotionIt is the drop-off in rank of an employee or the transfer of an employee to jobs with lower ranks backed by a reduction in salary. It therefore refers to a flow in status as well as remuneration.Reasons For DemotionFailure on the part of employees to live up to expectation ( short(p) performance)Serious crime against the organization framework pilfering, fraud, leaking, organizational secrets to the advantage of competitors etc.It can also be based on undiscipline or disloyal to rules of the organizationSerious or admonitory business conditions may necessitate lay-offs and termination some employees may accept demotion as an alternative.Problems of Demotionit leads to reduction employee status and remunerationit also creates morale problems for affected employees. roughly affected employees may resign, leading to labour turn over and its associated problems,iv. LABOUR TURN oerLabour turn over refers to the rate at which employees are leaving the business organization at a particular time and their replacement. It therefore describes the lawsuit of workers into and out of employment of an organization in a in a given period of timeIt is calculated byL x degree centigradeAWhereL = Those leaving during the yearA = mean(a) number emplo yed during the year orAverage number on the companys payroll within that period.A high (index) labour overthrow means more people leave the employment because of low morale. It could also mean a high harmonize of the employment of women or scholars who have returned to college to pursue academic careers, death, pension etc.Causes of Labour Turn OverThere are various causes of labour turn-over. Among them include the followingDiscontentment (dissatisfaction) among employees as a result of poor working conditions,Lack of promotional avenuesPoor leadership styleVery long hours of work with little time for restUnfairness and improper administration of disciplinary measuresPoor wages and salariesLack of opportunities for self advancementBoredom, wrong job fitting or lack of job satisfactionLack of opportunity to express opinions to management and to participate in decision making.Problems of Labour Turn OverIt brings about extra-expenditure, that is hiring and training of new employee sProduction rate is decreased and this tend to affect the volume of ales and profit marginsIt leads to overtime payment for extra man-hours spent on the jobThe money spent on training developing employees who have left goes down the drainThere could be low morale for the remaining employees due to loss of old work mates and friendsIt takes a caboodle of time for workers to properly settle or fit into the systemSolution To the causes of labour turnoverA study or research should be conducted to identify which factors have been the cause of dissatisfaction and that have been responsible for the labour turnover. The following suggested solutions could be applied by individual companies.i. Companies should provide attractive wages and salaries to ensure that employees are above to meet their basic necessities.ii. There should also be improvement in the working conditions of workers. Protective clothes, canteen, transport, housing and medical facilities should be provided to cater for th e welfare of workers.iii. There should also be opportunities for growth and development for employees, e.g study leave, provision of library facilities, promotion etc.iv. Joint consultation must be instald to enable representatives of workers and employers meet to identify common problems and find solutions to them.2.4 Termination of EmploymentEvery employer has the option to lay off the employment of his employees but only on the grounds that certain conditions are meet e.g. giving of appropriate notice and payment of entitlements. Employees also have an option to resign from their present job and look for another provided they also satisfy certain conditions e.g. appropriate notice and proper handing over. There are ways by which a contract of employment may be ended and they include redundancy, dismissals, retirement and resignation.2.4.1 RedundancyThis is a situation where employees are asked to leave their employment because of lack of work. that is, the organization does no t need their service any longer. wherefore when there is reduction in production and the workers are greater than what the organization needs, some are asked to leave employment.2.4.2 DismissalDismissal is an act of sending an employee apart form his employment because be is not qualified, undisciplined or is dishonest in his work. It is the invariable withdrawal of an employee from the services of a company.2.4.3 RetirementIt is the act of preceding(a) or having stopped working after attaining a certain age. The age may both be contained in the companys policy or decision taken by the individual himself.2.4.4 ResignationResignation usually comes from employees. Resignation is the indication by the employee that he has ceased to be in the employment of the employer.2.4.5 Lay OffThis is a temporary withdrawal of employees from work due to shortage of raw materials, low demand for the companies products or services, or financial problems. These employees may be called back when t he need arises. When conditions improve and some of the aid-off workers are invited to come back to work, it is known as recall.2.5 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ontogenesis2.5.1 EducationThis is usually intended to mean basic operating instructions in knowledge and skills designed to enable people make the most life in general. It is thus a process of training and instructing people in schools, colleges, Polytechnics, universities etc. which is designed to give knowledge and development of skills. At the end of the course, a certificate is given to those who pass their final examination. Education is therefore more personal and broadly based.2.5.2 DevelopmentThis suggests a broader view of knowledge and skills acquisition preferably than training. It is less job-oriented and career-oriented. It sees employees as adaptable resources and thus concerned with preparing individuals with skills and experience to fill challenging higher level positions in the organization.2.5.3 TrainingTrainin g is job oriented rather than personal. Training involves a series of actions aimed at preparing an individual with skills to do a particular job. It may be defined as the systematic development of the attitudes, knowledge and skill patterns required by an individual in order to perform adequately a given task or jobMethods of TrainingThe main methods of training includei. Apprenticeship TrainingThis is a method of training where the apprentice under studies his master for a number of years, learning all the basic skills involved in the profession. This type of training is given to young people who have either completed school or who have not been to school. This type of training is common and popular in professions like tailoring, dressmaking, carpentry, driving and masonry. The apprentice pays a certain amount to his master and he is not paid during the period of his/her training but given allowance as and when necessary by his/her master.ii. supervisory TrainingThis type of trai ning is give to employees who have been appointed supervisors or foremen. Supervisory training involves the teaching of supervisors or foremen the skill of getting work done through others. It is therefore meant to improve on their leadership skills and qualities. It takes place in an institute in the form of seminars or workshops with discussions on leadership, morale, development, directing, and health and prophylactic measures.iii. Executive TrainingPersonnel in middle management and top management positions are covered under this typePersonnel Department Effectiveness and FunctionsPersonnel Department Effectiveness and Functions2.1 INTRODUCTIONThe effectiveness of any organization in general, is a direct function of the quality of the individuals who make up that organization. The knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment of the members of the organization together constitute the most critical factor in the development and implementation of work plans and the delivery of prod ucts and services. Without the full commitment of its employees, an organization cannot accomplish its objectives. Consequently, the attraction, organization, development and motivation of employees which is the personnel function of management are a central responsibility at all levels of management that is from the chief executive to the first line supervisor.2.2 WHAT IS PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT?There are many definitions of personnel management, but all basically say that it is attracting and developing competent employees and creating the organizational conditions which result in their full utilization and encourages them to put forth their best efforts.1In any organization, there has to be someone concerned with the welfare and performance of persons who are a part of the operation. When an individual or a team of individuals takes on this task of seeing to programs and setting policies that impact everyone associated with the company, they are engaged in the process of personnel m anagement, sometimes referred to as human resources management,According to Franklin A., personnel management is based on careful handling of relationships among individuals at work and is the art of forecasting, acquiring, developing and maintaining competent workforce so that the organization derives maximum benefit in terms of performance and efficiency.2Personnel Management is that part of management which is concerned with, people at work and their relationship within the organization. It can also be defined as that aspect of an organization, which is concerned with obtaining the best possible staff for the origination, looking after them so well that they will like to remain in the organization and give off their best in their jobs. It has to do with how best to use the skills and intelligence of people towards the achievement of organizational objectives.3From the definitions quoted by various management experts in the past or present, the inference that we derive is that per sonnel management aims at attaining maximum efficiency and to yield maximum benefits to the organization.Two major points about personnel management are implied in this definition. First, effective personnel management must be future oriented. Support for organizational objectives now and for the foreseeable future must be provided through a steady supply of competent and capable employees. Second, effective personnel management is action oriented. The emphasis must be placed on solution of employment issues and problems to support organizational objectives and facilitate employee development and satisfactionTo sum up, Personnel management aims at achieving these major stepsAnalyzing the plan for future action and expansion.Estimating the quantitative and qualitative aspects of labour.Assessing the requirement of existing manpower or human resource.Formulating the plan for effective utilization of manpower, reducing under utilization or mis-utilization of manpower which is one of th e most important resources.Finalizes the planning for recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training and development.Organizational effectivenesBasically Personnel management has certain goals and objectives to fulfill which includesCreating a congenial and healthy environment for employees or workers to function effectively.To bring about organizational and human resource development through training, development programmes or even managerial succession planning.Selection and placement of right number of people and ensuring proper allocation of duties and responsibilities upon them.Creating better inter-personal relations, developing a sense of responsibility and responsiveness amongst workers and employees.Boosting the morale and sense of initiative amongst employees.Adopting best techniques or conceivable methods to bring best possible development of workers on work.2.2.1 Functions of the Personnel DepartmentA well-organized personnel department of an organization performs the following functions. Typically personnel work is concerned withi. Manpower Planning This is the first function of the personnel department. It has to do with the process by which a firm ensures that the required staff in terms of qualification and number is available at the right time. It involves determining personnel needs in relations to the objectives of the organization. It therefore deals with the qualification or education, skills and the appropriate number of personnel a firm should engage. It is therefore the process of assessing, predicting, or forecasting an organizations manpower needs in a relation to its plans.ii. Employment/Recruitment After the manpower needs of the organization have been determined, the next stage is the make an attempt to employ the right caliber of personnel into the organization. This involves identifying sources of labour supply, carrying out recruitment, selection and placement into the organization.iii. Education/Training and Developmen t The personnel department is responsible for the training, education and the development of employees. It is the training needs have been determined, it is the responsibility of the department to design an appropriate programme by determining the method to be used, the course content, the duration and the institution or person to conduct the training. Training enables employees to adjust to new trends, improve their performance on the job and prepare them for promotion.iv. Wage and salary administration Wage and salary Administration is one of the important functions of the personnel department. It is responsible for designing equitable and attractive wage and salary schemes for employees in an organization. It also determines how overtime payments. Bonuses and other fringe benefits are to be paid. It is also responsible for surveying the labour market and making the necessary changes and adjustments to the wage and salary structures to reflect the wages and salaries policies of the government of the day.v. Health, Safety and Welfare of Employment- Another important function of the Personnel department is to ensure that there are measures to take care of the health, safety and welfare of its employees. It ensures these by providing first-aid facilities, good ventilation, lighting, drainage and proper working conditions. It also provides protective gadgets for employees to reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries. Canteen, sports, transport, pension schemes, group insurance schemes and other recreational programmmes are provided for the welfare of its employees.vi. Industrial Relations The personnel department plays an important role in maintaining a cordial and harmonium working relationship between workers and management. The term industrial relations are used to describe the relationship that exists between employers, employees (trade unions) and the government.Performance appraisal organizing the appraisal process to identify development needs o f employees.Personnel administration record-keeping and monitoring of legislative requirements related to equal opportunities and possibly pensions and tax.Communication providing an internal information service, perhaps in the form of staff newspapers or magazines, handouts, booklets, videos.2.3 EMPLOYMENT PROCESSThe employment process which is also referred to as the recruitment process involves a number of activities which are undertaken to engage the right caliber of personnel for an organization. It is therefore concerned with the employment and maintenance of qualified and efficient labour force. Employment therefore involves recruitment, selection and placement. The recruitment and selection process involves recruitment, interrelated activities which include the following.2.3.1 RECRUITMENTIt is the process of acquiring applicants who are available and qualified to fill positions in the organization.1 Recruitment refers to the first step in staffing, which is finding people. 2 Sources of recruitment refer to the various avenues from which the personnel manager may recruit or employ labour. Recruits are obtained from a variety of sources. There source are divided into two main categories, namely internal and external sources. Pieter Grobler (page 167)Sources of RecruitmentInternal SourceSources of potential candidates are many and varied, but a good starting point is to consider any internal candidates who might be suitable for the post. The exercise whereby the required manpower is obtained within the organization is the internal source. This may take the form of promoting a qualified worker to a higher position as they occur.Advantages of Internal SourceThere is less risk of error in selection and placementIt boosts the morale of employees and encourages them it work hardIt is quicker, cheaper and less risky than an outside appointmentThe recruit fits in with the culture of the organization he knows how we do things hereThe individual also knows the pe ople, systems and the business and thus the induction period will be quickerDisadvantages of Internal SourceNo new ideas, creativity or challenge to the culture and systemsIt tends to ignore qualified candidates who are not within the systemA post will still need filling-the persons old post. That is he will create another vacancyThe person may not be the best, qualified or most able candidateExternal SourceDepending on management policy and the type of job involved. Management has a number of options available for obtaining people from outside the organization. These includeEducational Institutions Organization and companies sometimes recruit fresh graduates from schools, colleges, polytechnics and the universities.Private Employment Agencies Employers who cannot go through the process of recruitment engage consulting firms to do the recruitment for them.Labour Department this is a public agency found in almost all regional scapitals where employees in search of employment and e mployers searching for employees go to register. An arrangement is then made to link the employer with the prospective employee.Advertisements This is the most common and popular source of external recruitment where companies announce their employment opportunities through the newspapers, magazines, journals, radio and television.Unsolicited Applicant People who are seeking for jobs sometimes apply to organizations without being aware of vacancies in those organizations. If there are vacancies, the applicant may be asked to go through the screening process. Where vacancies are not immediately available, his name will be placed on the waiting list.Employment Referrals- Companies sometime announce job vacancies to their staff and ask them to recommend friends, relatives and neighbours who might be in need of employment and possess the required qualification and skill.Advantages of External SourceIt leads to the employment of people with new knowledge and ideasIt leads to the employm ent of qualified and suitable people to fill vacant postsIt promotes good willIts scope of selection is widenedDisadvantages of External SourcesIt is costly and time consumingIt may lead to low morale especially where there are qualified people within the organizationThe risk of making wrong selection is very high2.3.2 JOB ANALYSISIt is the determination of the essential characteristics of a job. It is therefore a process of determining the nature of the job and the skills, knowledge, experiences and abilities of the person who is supposed to perform the job. It therefore contains information such as task performed, machines and equipment to be used, materials, products or services involved, training skills, knowledge and personal traits required of the worker. Job analysis therefore describes both the worker and the job so that there are no questions about who is doing what within the firm. Franklin A. (page 156)When undertaken carefully, job analysis could be used toIt provides th e information necessary for recruitment, selection and placement of employees.It can be used to get an idea of the acceptable level of performance for each job (performance appraisal)It is used to device and implement training and development programmesIt provides an opportunity to uncover and identify hazardous conditionsJobs may be analyzed in order to ensure that employees are fairly compensatedThe components of job analysis include.A. Job DescriptionIt specifies the duties and requirements of the job. This is a broad statement describing the purpose, scope, duties and responsibilities of a particular job. It states the title and location of the hob, grade/salary level of the job, limits of authority, number of subordinates, physical working conditions, machines, tools and equipment used, product or service produced etc. it typically portrays job content. In short, it summarizes all the basic tasks that are required to be performed on a job. A job description is what the worker d oes. Franklin A. (page 167)Importance of Job DescriptionEach employee gets to know what is expected of him. It helps to avoid overlapping.It helps determine the rate of pay which is fair for the job.It helps in appraising and training employeesIt makes it possible for new employees to be given orientation with regards to their duties and responsibilities.It provides information from which particular hob vacancies can be advertisedIt guides the personnel manager in the development of job specificationSELECTIONThis is the process by which an organization chooses from a list/pool of applicants the person who best meets the job and organizational requirements. The main objective of the selection process is to sort out those judged qualified for the job.(a) Selection Procedurei. Application FormsApplicants who reply to job advertisements are usually asked to fill in a job application form, or to send a letter giving details about themselves and their previous job experience (Curriculum V itae or (C.V). An application form is used to find out relevant information about the applicant. It tells the organization whether or not an applicant is worthy of an interview or a test of some kind. Information usually required of candidates include Personal data, educational background, work experience, date of birth, interests and hobbies. An applicant who is deemed suitable on this evidence becomes a candidate for interview.ii. Application Screening (Short-listing)The screening stage involves the sorting out or elimination of those applicants judged unqualified for the job. The personnel manager receives the filled application forms, and then screens them to determine those who are qualified to be invited for interview. This becomes necessary since all types of applications are received when jobs are advertised. This stage is also referred to as short-listing. It is done by marching all the applications against the employers requirements.iii. Selection TestsSelection tests are used to supplement other techniques. The tests are usually handled by fully qualified industrial psychologists. It is a practical examination to determine whether an applicant is suitable for the job. The assumption behind the administration of the tests is that a candidate who scores well in the test will more likely succeed in the job.Types of testThe types of tests commonly used include-i. Intelligence Tests Their aim is to measure the applicants general intellectual ability. That is they are designed to measure his thinking abilities. They may test the applicants memory, ability to think quickly and logically, and skill at solving problems.ii. Aptitude Tests These are designed to predict an individuals potential for performing a job or learning new skills. They are widely used to obtain information about such skills as mechanical ability, clerical and numerical ability. It measures a persons ability to do something given a good training.iii. Psychological tests Psychological tests may measure a variety of characteristics such as an applicants skill in dealing with other people, ambition and motivation or emotional stability. They usually consist of questionnaires asking respondents to state their interest in or preference for jobs, leisure activities etc.Proficiency Tests Proficiency tests are the most closely related test to an assessors objectives, because they measure ability to do the work involvediv. Medical Tests Medical tests are carried out to determine the physical fitness of the applicant and whether he has any hidden diseases. Candidates who might have contagious diseases will be rejected.INTERVIEWInterview is a conversation or verbal interaction between two or more people for a particular purpose. Interviewing is a crucial part of the selection process because it gives the organization an opportunity to assess the applicant directly, and it gives the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the organization and whether he or she wants t he jobObjectives of InterviewIt gives the employer an opportunity to obtain information about each applicant and to assess his suitability for the job.It enables the employer to cross-check the applicants original documents or educational certificates.It enables the employer to have a critical view of the physical appearance of the applicantIt also gives him an opportunity to determine the applicants level of intelligence.It provides the applicant an opportunity to know more about the organization, the job and the employees of the organization.References (Background Investigations)References provide further confidential information about the prospective employee. Prospective candidates are normally asked to submit references who can be contacted when the need arises. Such references include schools, colleges, universities, former employers (if any) and relatives. The use of reference compels employees to be honest in supplying information about themselves to an organization. Referen ces are brief statements about a candidate made by a third party usually the candidates superior. These statements are used to confirm information supplied by applicants on application forms.PlacementThis is the stage where the new employee is placed on the job. He is assigned to an officer and a superior if he is a clerical worker. It is the responsibility of the superior to give the new employee in-service training where necessary and to provide a schedule of duties.InductionThis may be conducted by the personnel manager and it is the process of orientating the selected applicant into his or her new working environment. It takes the form of introducing new employees to existing staff, visits to the plants and other departments, informing him/her about his duties and responsibilities, as well as the policies and objective of the organization. Induction simply means the introduction of a new employee into his or her job or organizationJob ChangesThe post recruitment functions of the personnel manager includes transfers, promotions, demotions and termination.i. Transfers-This occurs when employees have been assigned to another branch, department or to another job involving similar responsibilities, skills and remuneration. The transfer could be from one department to another or one station to another. It may be used to correct an error made during the recruitment process.Reasons for transfersThe close down of a branch or department may call for a transferSelf request by an employee because of his inability to relate well with co-workers of lack of interest in his job or for purposes of frequent medical check-ups due to sickness.Transfer may be used as a punishment deviceA person may also be transferred to take up a new appointmentA fall in the level of production may also necessitate the re-allocation of employees.ii. PromotionPromotion may be defined as the transfer of an employee from one job to another which involves a greater responsibility and usually a hi gher reward (pay). In other words, it involves a change in status and usually means appointment to a higher grade with greater and more challenging responsibilities. It is an important aspect of management because it is through promotion that a worker obtains satisfaction and shows his desire to advance and develop.Promotion PolicyMany large organizations have a policy of filling senior job positions from within the organization. Others also believe in recruitment from outside the organization. Every organization should however come out with a clear policy on promotion so that employees know in advance the criteria to be used in promotion. Normally promotion is based on the followingSeniority (length of service)Practical ability (skill)General attitude and loyaltyEducation and qualificationPersonality or characterAdvantages of PromotionPromotion improves morale and motivation of employees in the organization.Promotion helps reduce labour-turn over in an organizationIt is seen as a r eward for dedicated service, hard work, loyalty and obedience to rules and regulations of the organization.Fair promotions create a feeling of content among employees and retain their interest in the company.It helps employees to put in extra effort to help attain organizational objectivesIt improves the earning power and status of the employeesProblems of promotionmore qualified employees may be ignored or overlookedan employee adjudged competent when promoted may perform below expectationqualified personnel when overlooked in time of promotion may feel dejected and unrecognized. This may affect his morale and for that matter his overall performance.A worker who has a special interest in his/her job e.g. cashier in a financial institution may refuse to accept promotion.iii. DemotionIt is the reduction in rank of an employee or the transfer of an employee to jobs with lower ranks backed by a reduction in salary. It therefore refers to a decrease in status as well as remuneration.Rea sons For DemotionFailure on the part of employees to live up to expectation (poor performance)Serious crime against the organization example pilfering, fraud, leaking, organizational secrets to the advantage of competitors etc.It can also be based on indiscipline or disloyal to rules of the organizationSerious or unfavourable business conditions may necessitate lay-offs and termination some employees may accept demotion as an alternative.Problems of Demotionit leads to reduction employee status and remunerationit also creates morale problems for affected employees.Some affected employees may resign, leading to labour turn over and its associated problems,iv. LABOUR TURN OVERLabour turn over refers to the rate at which employees are leaving the business organization at a particular time and their replacement. It therefore describes the movement of workers into and out of employment of an organization in a in a given period of timeIt is calculated byL x 100AWhereL = Those leaving duri ng the yearA = Average number employed during the year orAverage number on the companys payroll within that period.A high (index) labour turnover means more people leave the employment because of low morale. It could also mean a high proportion of the employment of women or scholars who have returned to college to pursue academic careers, death, pension etc.Causes of Labour Turn OverThere are various causes of labour turn-over. Among them include the followingDiscontentment (dissatisfaction) among employees as a result of poor working conditions,Lack of promotional avenuesPoor leadership styleVery long hours of work with little time for restUnfairness and improper administration of disciplinary measuresPoor wages and salariesLack of opportunities for self advancementBoredom, wrong job assignment or lack of job satisfactionLack of opportunity to express opinions to management and to participate in decision making.Problems of Labour Turn OverIt brings about extra-expenditure, that is hiring and training of new employeesProduction rate is decreased and this tend to affect the volume of ales and profit marginsIt leads to overtime payment for extra man-hours spent on the jobThe money spent on training developing employees who have left goes down the drainThere could be low morale for the remaining employees due to loss of old work mates and friendsIt takes a lot of time for workers to properly settle or fit into the systemSolution To the causes of labour turnoverA study or research should be conducted to identify which factors have been the cause of dissatisfaction and that have been responsible for the labour turnover. The following suggested solutions could be applied by individual companies.i. Companies should provide attractive wages and salaries to ensure that employees are above to meet their basic necessities.ii. There should also be improvement in the working conditions of workers. Protective clothes, canteen, transport, housing and medical facilities shoul d be provided to cater for the welfare of workers.iii. There should also be opportunities for growth and development for employees, e.g study leave, provision of library facilities, promotion etc.iv. Joint consultation must be instituted to enable representatives of workers and employers meet to identify common problems and find solutions to them.2.4 Termination of EmploymentEvery employer has the option to terminate the employment of his employees but only on the grounds that certain conditions are meet e.g. giving of appropriate notice and payment of entitlements. Employees also have an option to resign from their present job and look for another provided they also satisfy certain conditions e.g. appropriate notice and proper handing over. There are ways by which a contract of employment may be terminated and they include redundancy, dismissals, retirement and resignation.2.4.1 RedundancyThis is a situation where employees are asked to leave their employment because of lack of wor k. that is, the organization does not need their service any longer. Therefore when there is reduction in production and the workers are greater than what the organization needs, some are asked to leave employment.2.4.2 DismissalDismissal is an act of sending an employee away form his employment because be is not qualified, undisciplined or is dishonest in his work. It is the permanent withdrawal of an employee from the services of a company.2.4.3 RetirementIt is the act of retiring or having stopped working after attaining a certain age. The age may either be contained in the companys policy or decision taken by the individual himself.2.4.4 ResignationResignation usually comes from employees. Resignation is the indication by the employee that he has ceased to be in the employment of the employer.2.4.5 Lay OffThis is a temporary withdrawal of employees from work due to shortage of raw materials, low demand for the companies products or services, or financial problems. These employee s may be called back when the need arises. When conditions improve and some of the aid-off workers are invited to come back to work, it is known as recall.2.5 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT2.5.1 EducationThis is usually intended to mean basic instructions in knowledge and skills designed to enable people make the most life in general. It is thus a process of training and instructing people in schools, colleges, Polytechnics, universities etc. which is designed to give knowledge and development of skills. At the end of the course, a certificate is given to those who pass their final examination. Education is therefore more personal and broadly based.2.5.2 DevelopmentThis suggests a broader view of knowledge and skills acquisition rather than training. It is less job-oriented and career-oriented. It sees employees as adaptable resources and thus concerned with preparing individuals with skills and experience to fill challenging higher level positions in the organization.2.5.3 Tra iningTraining is job oriented rather than personal. Training involves a series of actions aimed at preparing an individual with skills to do a particular job. It may be defined as the systematic development of the attitudes, knowledge and skill patterns required by an individual in order to perform adequately a given task or jobMethods of TrainingThe main methods of training includei. Apprenticeship TrainingThis is a method of training where the apprentice under studies his master for a number of years, learning all the basic skills involved in the profession. This type of training is given to young people who have either completed school or who have not been to school. This type of training is common and popular in professions like tailoring, dressmaking, carpentry, driving and masonry. The apprentice pays a certain amount to his master and he is not paid during the period of his/her training but given allowance as and when necessary by his/her master.ii. Supervisory TrainingThis t ype of training is give to employees who have been appointed supervisors or foremen. Supervisory training involves the teaching of supervisors or foremen the skill of getting work done through others. It is therefore meant to improve on their leadership skills and qualities. It takes place in an institute in the form of seminars or workshops with discussions on leadership, morale, development, directing, and health and safety measures.iii. Executive TrainingPersonnel in middle management and top management positions are covered under this type