IB Business Management: 
Unit 2 - Human Resources

Human Resources in IB Business Management is one of the five core topics and is assessed in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 SL and HL examinations. Human resource management is the strategic approach to the effective management of an organisation's workers so that they help the business gain a competitive advantage.

Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) refers to the management function of using and developing people within a business in order to meet the objectives of the organisation. This will entail interrelated roles, including:
  • Human resource (workforce) planning
  • Recruitment, selection and induction of new employees
  • Training and development of staff
  • Performance management and performance appraisals
  • Promotion and relocation of staff
  • Reviewing remuneration packages
  • Disciplinary and grievance procedures
  • Looking after the welfare of employees
The goals of Human Resource Management should be inherently integrated with the organisational objectives of the business, but may include:
  • Meeting the needs of the organisation and management as well as the interests of the employees 
  • To link human resource policies and strategies to the goals and objectives of the organisation
  • To determine methods for employees to add value to the organisation
  • To assist the organisation advance and benefit from from the commitment of its workers to shared goals, objectives and values 

motivation is an HRM issue 

Leadership is an HRM issue

Human Resources is more than HRM

The IB Business Management course Human Resources topic aims to give the student a good overview of:
  • Workforce planning, with staff recruitment and selection, appraisals, training and the issues of dismissal and redundancies.
  • The different types of organisational structures that different business adopt and adhere to.
  • The communication procedures that exist within businesses.
  • The nature of leadership and leadership styles, the key functions of management and the differences between leadership and management .
  • Motivational theories with especial emphasis being paid to content and process theories of motivation, and motivation in practice within organisations.
  • The importance, development and influences of organisational culture, and its impact on a business, and the consequences of culture clashes.
  • The nature of the relationship between employers and employees, examining collective bargaining and conflict resolution.
  • Planning for and being able to effectively manage a crisis.