21. Personnel Management: Objectives, Characteristics, and Functions in Modern Human Resource Management

Introduction: What is Personnel Management?

Personnel Management is a branch of management that focuses on the effective utilization of human resources. It involves a systematic approach that integrates planning, organizing, directing, and controlling human capital to achieve the organizational objectives efficiently.

According to Edwin B. Flippo, Personnel Management is concerned with the procurement, development, compensation, integration, and maintenance of people by the organization. It focuses on employees and their relationship with the organization.

George R. Terry defines it as the art of obtaining and maintaining a satisfactory and satisfied workforce.

As per Paul G. Hastings, Personnel Management is that aspect of management which is primarily concerned with the effective control of manpower in an organization.

📌 Key Characteristics of Personnel Management:

1. Employee-Centric Approach: It involves every employee at all levels of the organization.

2. Applicable at Every Managerial Level: Personnel management interacts with all layers of administration, from top to bottom.

3. Focus on Welfare: It aims to support employees and their families by offering welfare schemes.

4. Integrated Across Departments: It is inherently connected with every department internally.

5. People-Oriented: Encourages cooperative behavior aligned with organizational objectives.

6. Continuous Process: It is not a one-time action, but a long-term continuous function in any enterprise.

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🎯 Objectives of Personnel Management:

1. To ensure personal growth and career advancement of every employee.

2. To establish a harmonious relationship among all employees by binding them together.

3. To utilize human resources in the most effective and productive manner.

4. To understand and fulfill the needs and expectations of employees, leading to their satisfaction.

5. To offer fair salaries, benefits, and create a positive and conducive work environment.

6. To ensure that each employee contributes positively to the growth and development of the organization.

7. To develop ethical practices and harmonious human relationships within the workplace.

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🛠️ Functions of Personnel Management:

1. Recruitment and Placement: Selecting the right person for the right job.

2. Training and Development: Providing learning opportunities and paths for growth.

3. Fair Compensation: Determining salary based on job role and performance.

4. Workplace Environment: Creating a healthy, cooperative, and productive atmosphere.

5. Welfare Programs: Designing and implementing employee benefit schemes.

6. Maintaining Records: Keeping updated personnel files and performance logs.

7. Industrial Relations: Fostering strong, peaceful employer-employee relations.

8. Problem Solving: Addressing employee issues and resolving them as per rules and regulations.

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✅ Conclusion:

Personnel Management plays a critical role in modern organizations by focusing on the most valuable asset — human capital. By aligning personal goals with organizational objectives, it enhances productivity, ensures employee satisfaction, and builds a culture of cooperation and growth. In today’s rapidly changing work environment, personnel management forms the foundation of Human Resource Management (HRM).