Question 4 [17]

CASE STUDY

The Hi-Lo Company experienced some internal struggles between the Human Resource Department and the middle managers. The middle managers argue that it is not their job to manage the HR aspects of the staff who report to them. Their job is to plan, organise, lead and control their staff. In performing these management functions, they must ensure that they and their staff plan the work that needs to be done; ensure the staff understand what they need to do; provide training where necessary; ensure that they have all the required means to do the job (organising work space, computer, internet connectivity etc.); monitor progress made with projects and tasks; and ensure that corrective action is taken where there are challenges.

The HR manager is of the opinion that the HR directorate should focus on strategic issues only, dealing with forecasting, human resources planning and recruiting staff to meet strategic goals. Their view is that managers must design the performance appraisal system and manage staff, which includes job design, job description, performance appraisals, dealing with conflict and CCMA cases.

Both parties are willing to go on strike to demonstrate their unhappiness with the additional unpaid roles that are expected of them. (Developed by Dr L Naude)

4.1 You are a senior manager in Hi-Lo Company. The Managing Director asks you to resolve this dispute between the HR Directorate and the middle managers by clarifying the roles of HR and management. Use the information from the prescribed textbook (Erasmus et al.) to provide arguments in your own words that describe the role of the HR Directorate and managers in the company. (12)

4.2 Analyse the arguments used in the case study. Indicate which will work and which will not in preventing a strike at Hi-Lo. (5)