Does HR Really Support Employees or Just Focus on Company Profits? Let's Discuss!

Greetings,

My name is Pavan Kumar. I am pursuing my MBA in HR, and I have 1 year of job experience as an EDI analyst in an IT company in the operations/service department. I have a basic question that might seem silly, but I was not able to get clarity on it. The question is - does the organization's HR department support the company or the employees?

Many organizations simply hire employees to get the work done, and if there are any issues, they fire the employee. Therefore, does the HR department look after the welfare of the employees or is it mainly concerned with profit maximization? The HR function is to ensure that work is never halted due to human capital.

Thank you.

The HR department is a support system for the organization to run its operations smoothly. We are also the bridge between the employees and the employer. You are concerned about the welfare of your employees as well. So if you feel in a particular position that you need to support an employee, you can do so with substantial proof to vouch for it. But one thing you have to remember is that we are only a support system for the organization and not in an authoritative role.

Somdatta Neogi
Kolkata
W.B.
9903068598

Thank you Simhan and Somdatta.

@Simhan, this is not my homework or any assignment; it is a general question I am facing from my degree program. I never got clarity on this.

@Somdatta, thanks for the clarification.

Then, why don't the wealth-making companies share their riches with the employees? Why do they opt for non-monetary motivation techniques even when employees require monetary rewards?

Thanks.

Hi Pavan,

I don't know how this question comes up about rich companies making money and not sharing the wealth with employees. It is not the case. There are huge compensation packages given to employees, but to get that, one has to show if they truly deserve it or not. It's a debatable topic, so let's not get into it at this point.

About non-monetary motivation techniques, there are many theories that support the fact that if you are motivated through monetary benefits, it's not necessarily the same for another person. Every individual has different sets of likes and preferences, and similarly, how they feel motivated can also differ.

Now, coming to your main query - whether HR supports the organization or the employee?

HR plays a very crucial role in any organization. Most mediocre or small companies are also establishing HR departments to better deal with their employees.

HR's role is in contributing to the bottom line of the company through HR top-line activities. Getting more involved at the strategic level makes them work more for the betterment of employees at all levels.

Regards,

Dear Pavan Kumar,

Remember one thing, when we feed a person, a time comes when he/she says "Thank you, I have had enough." Have you found anyone that says that when we keep giving money? The same is the case with other materialistic things. See, for example, [How Much Land Does a Man Need? - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Much_Land_Does_a_Man_Need%3F).

Have you also noticed how directors and senior managers keep getting well above the inflation rate pay rises while justifying reduction in staff or paying poor wages?

Have a nice day.

Simhan