How Would You Answer This Key HR Policy Interview Question? Seeking Advice!

Hi seniors,

What can be the most appropriate answer for the below interview question: What is the most essential thing that you consider while formulating any HR policy?

Regards,
Villis

This is a tricky question. I would say the current need for it to form and its impact on everyone else.

Plan of action according to the organization's requirements is essential for HR policy.

For example, one HR policy of Indian Railways is to provide equal employment opportunities to minority sections. The personnel policy specifies filling 15% and 7.5% of vacancies from those belonging to SC and ST respectively.

VASANTH

I would say, any HR policy must take two factors into consideration while formulating:

1. Does it have a positive impact on the human resources (i.e., employees/workforce)?
2. Does it have a positive impact on the company?

HR policies need to be effective, employee-friendly, and beneficial to the company. There needs to be a balance between these two aspects. Some HR policies tip the balance scale towards the employer (company), resulting in employee-unfriendliness and long-term losses for the company.

It should have a positive impact on both the employer and the employee. Its strength is measured by how user-friendly it is. It should not be draconian.

Dear Villis,

Thank you for the query.

I take this opportunity to suggest to members to kindly search the web before posting our query to get quicker answers.

For example, had you searched the web using Google, you would have found the Policy Document of Nestle at http://www.nestle.com/Resource.axd?Id=E9EC6B84-3562-4FD3-99D6-51AD66F37CE8. You can also find it by searching for "HR Policies + basis for effectiveness" on Google.

Here is an extract from that document:
"They are in essence flexible and dynamic and may require adjustment to a variety of circumstances. Therefore, its implementation will be inspired by sound judgment, compliance with local market laws, and common sense, taking into account the specific context." (I have altered the font to Bold.)

I hope that answers your question.

Best wishes,
Simhan
A retired academic in the UK

Dear Villis;
I am not from HR, but to my perception the right answer to your question should be, “Attitude and vision of the management or owner" is the most important for any policy approval and implementation. I worked as a marketing consultant with several companies and I also have formulated marketing policy and strategy (sort term and long term) and the success of my strategy was mainly dependent on the vision and attitude of the owner or the high level managerial staff. I hope most seniors will have the same experience.
His Blessings;
Sharad Shah

I think the most important thing while making the HR policy is to understand the nature of the business, the industry, the employees, and the existing government regulations regarding labor laws.

Thanks,
Asha

Dear Vills,

Asha Malhotra came close to it...

Two important factors that always guide my efforts in formulating any HR policy are:

1. Internal and External considerations
2. Long-term and legal implications.

Regards,
N. Ramamurthy

Dear Villis,

Re: Interview Question - Answers Me, It's Urgent

The answer lies in the organization's goals and the necessary behavioral requirements of employees in every respect to align with the goals.

Good luck,

Kesava Pillai