Understanding the Real Purpose of HR: Beyond Payroll and Administration?

Hi All,

It has been on my mind for a long time: what are the reasons that a company requires an HR department? Is it only for payroll or administration? Since even operations managers conduct interviews (including providing a headcount of new recruits that will be required), what is the real purpose of HRM and the HR department in any company?

Please guide me in this regard.

Thanks,

HR is not at all required. Because the real function of HR is something else. But all the HR do only rest in their offices and act as dictators. They don't do the real reason why they are getting paid, so almost 90% of HR are getting paid just to sit in the office. So, no need for HR. Only the real HR is 10%, which is required.

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to say, but if this is what you feel and know about HR, I think you have taken a wrong decision to opt for HR as a career option. HR is a vast ocean, and each of its functions is so vast that it itself can be a department.

Some of the functions that HR handles include:

- Recruitment
- Performance Evaluation and Management
- Training need Identification and Training and Development
- Employee Development
- Organization Development
- Employee Engagement Activities
- Statutory Compliances
- Payroll Management
- Office Administration
- Facilities Management

These are a few functions that come under the umbrella of HR. If you feel these are useless functions and HR is doing a thankless job, I can only say, "No Comments."

Regards,

Sujeet S Rajawat
Asst. Manager HR
Vijay Solvex Limited
Alwar, Rajasthan

Hi again,

Maybe I phrased my questions incorrectly. It wasn't to start a debate. I need an answer as to how HR, as a function, is as important as Marketing, Operations, and Finance.

Hi Hrishi,

Check this article which gives an idea about "Why HR is required?". I don't know who wrote this article; I found it on the net, but it shows the effective role of HR in some big MNCs. Apart from this, the other functions of HR have already been mentioned by Sujeet.

Corporations are always searching for better ways to produce goods and services. When new technological developments give some organizations a competitive advantage, their rivals try to catch up by adopting and improving on the new technologies. Ford has incorporated many of Toyota's technical advances into its own plants, and General Motors has spent over $50 billion in the last decade to modernize its production facilities and develop skills in flexible manufacturing. A large part of this growth is the Human Resources department of these companies, who are responsible for hiring people with the knowledge to bring new technology into a company. To be successful in the automotive market, these companies need a highly skilled, flexible, and committed workforce, innovative management, the ability to retain developed talent, and a strong partnership between management and labor unions. To achieve these goals, the company needs a talented HR department. Besides hiring the right people to manage and perform specific jobs, HR managers have to build up commitment and loyalty among the workforce by keeping them up to date about company plans and laying out the implications for job security and working conditions.

Such was the case when I worked at Velco. From the interview process to my exit interview at the end of the summer, the HR department was every employee's main connection between the production floor and upper management. The HR department kept us informed via bi-weekly meetings, a company newsletter, and bulletin-board postings throughout the plant. Whenever a question arose, instead of asking middle management, an employee could go straight to the HR rep they were assigned to. From my experiences, it seemed like the HR reps knew everything there was to know about the company and how it is run. And I found that to be a very valuable asset. I imagine the same takes place at large corporations around the world, be it Velcro or General Motors. The backbone of any successful company is the HR department, and without a talented group of people to hire, culture, and inform employees, the company is doomed to failure.

Regards,

Shree

Hi HR,

Human Resources (HR) is primarily responsible for dealing with human beings. HR acts as the mediator between management and employees. HR professionals perform numerous functions within a company, one of which is maintaining a skilled workforce. This task may seem easy, but in reality, it is quite complex and requires a high level of expertise. Demonstrating these skills is essential for HR professionals.

Regards,
Vidya

Hi friends,

As far as the HR Department is concerned, it plays a major role in any organization. If one wants to know the crux of the functions that an HR manager plays, it's better to ask an HR person who is working in a company where trade unions are functioning. To some extent, it plays a different role in different industries. In my opinion, it's not accurate to say that the HR Department is just to sit in the office.

Sir, is it right for a trainee to say, "that these are the useless functions and HR is doing a thankless job... I can only say... 'No Comments'."

Thanks