"Human resource management seeks to achieve personal and social goals." Explain. Outline the major functions of human resource management.

HRM Seeks to Achieve Personal and Social Goals

Human resource management is concerned not merely with achieving the objectives of an organisation. It also seeks to achieve the goals of its employees and those of the society. According to Flippo, HRM is the planning, organising, directing and controlling of human resources to the end that individual, organisational and societal objectives are accomplished. Hence HRM is a triple-objective function:

• Personal Goals — Includes job satisfaction, fair compensation, opportunities for growth, recognition and personal development of employees.
• Social Goals — Includes providing suitable employment, maintaining a balance between jobs and job-seekers, eliminating waste of human resources and enhancing dignity of labour.

Major Functions of HRM

1. Procurement Function — Securing and employing the right kind and proper number of people. Activities: Job analysis, HR planning, recruitment, selection, placement, induction.

2. Development Function — Improving knowledge, skills, aptitudes and values of employees. Activities: Performance and potential appraisal, training, executive development, career planning & development.

3. Compensation Function — Providing equitable and fair remuneration. Activities: Job evaluation, wage and salary administration, bonus.

4. Integration Function — Reconciling the goals of the organisation with those of members. Activities: Motivation, financial and non-financial incentives, providing job satisfaction, handling grievances, collective bargaining, improving quality of work life.

5. Maintenance Function — Protecting and promoting the physical and mental health of employees. Activities: Fringe benefits, social security measures, personnel records and research.