Business – 7.4 HRM strategy – Approaches to HRM | e-Consult
7.4 HRM strategy – Approaches to HRM (1 questions)
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Definition of Hard HRM: A strategic approach that treats employees primarily as resources to be managed in order to achieve organisational objectives, emphasizing quantitative, performance‑based metrics.
Definition of Soft HRM: A people‑oriented approach that views employees as valuable assets and sources of competitive advantage, focusing on motivation, development and employee well‑being.
- Primary Focus: Hard HRM concentrates on cost control, efficiency and output; Soft HRM concentrates on employee commitment, satisfaction and development.
- Management Style: Hard HRM uses a top‑down, directive style with formal policies and performance targets; Soft HRM adopts a participative, collaborative style encouraging empowerment.
- Measurement: Hard HRM relies on quantitative metrics such as labour cost per unit and turnover rates; Soft HRM uses qualitative indicators such as employee engagement, morale and skill development.