Human Resource Research Methods

Description

HR research implies searching investigations, re-examinations, re-assessments and revaluations. In other words, research is a purposive and systematic investigation designed to test hypothesis through structured questions. Human resources is a term used to refer to how employees are managed by organizations, or to the personnel department charged with that role. The field has moved from a traditionally administrative function to a strategic one that allegedly recognizes the link between talented and engaged people and organizational success. The study of human resource practices and activities gives the extent of success or failure of policies and practices. Research on HRM activities provides an understanding of what does work, what does not work, what needs change, the nature and the extent of change. HR research is, “the task of searching for, and analysing of facts to the end that HR problems may be solved or principles and laws governing their solutions derived.” Research in manpower and human resources covers all those specific areas which are the subject matter of personnel administration. The scope of such research may vary from the very simple to the very complex, or from the short and inexpensive to the long and costly. Most studies reveal that the four most dominant areas of research are selection; training and development; attitudes and leadership; and measurement devices. This guide to the planning and execution of HRM research projects seeks to develop the knowledge and skills of first-time researchers for effective research into HRM issues in organisations.