Topic > The Importance of Human Resource Management - 2010

All businesses would like to see their organizations perform better and most will look to find tools to help make this happen. Human resource management is a tool for “improving top team performance and must be primarily about bringing well-qualified people into the team” as stated by Boxall and Purcell (2003). The use of human resource management is said to encourage employee commitment to high performance and loyalty to organizations as a whole (Guest 1989). HRM is a strategic business tool used by many organisations, NEXT plc uses HRM to enable the development of its employees and the development and achievement of its business objectives and policies. In this assignment we will look at the value that HRM has at NEXT plc and how they use this tool across different elements of HRM. The vision and mission of NEXT plc is stated as follows: “To foster a successful business it is important that we are able to create an environment that enables us to attract and retain the right people to work at all levels at Next. Our people are a valuable asset to Next and we are committed to providing a work environment in which our employees can develop to reach their full potential and have both professional and personal development opportunities that their priorities as a company provide an environment for its employees where they are, • Supported and respected • Treated fairly and cared for • Listened to • Motivated to reach their full potential The overall purpose of human resource management is to ensure that the organization is able to achieve success through people. Ulrich and Lake (1990) stated that “human resource management systems can be the source of organizational capabilities that enable companies to learn… halfway… and resources if employees are adequately trained. NEXT needs the support of its employees to work harder to improve and in return they need rewards and motivation to encourage them in their hard work. Recruitment, selection and training at higher or lower levels should be carried out throughout the company under any circumstances, whether in times of recession or boom, the value is much greater to a company having it than without it. In conclusion it is recommended that NEXT pays more attention to motivating people in terms of flexibility, rewards, workload reduction, holidays, bonuses, pay increases and promotion based on performance. As the market leader for high fashion clothing in the UK, NEXT consistently achieves financial goals, as its employees help achieve them, it is important for them to feel valued and rewarded through good HR strategies.