Human resource management
the management function focused on maximizing the effectiveness of the workforce by recruiting world-class talent, promoting career development, and determining work-force strategies to boost organizational effectiveness.
Job analysis
the examination of specific tasks that are assigned to each position, independent of who might be holding the job at any specific time.
Job description
an explanation of the responsibilities for a specific position.
Job specifications
The specific qualifications necessary to hold a particular position.
Internal recruitment
the process of seeking employees who are currently within the firm to fill open positions.
External recruitment
the process of seeking new employees from outside the firm (websites, ads, trade associations, college employment centers, etc).
Structured interview
An interviewing approach that involves developing a list of questions beforehand and asking the same questions in the same order to each candidate.
Probationary period
A specific timeframe during which a new hire can prove his or her worth on the job before the hire becomes permanent. (usually 3 to 6 months)
Contingent workers
Employees who do not expect regular, full-time jobs, including temporary full-time workers, independent contractors, and temporary agency or contract agency workers.
Orientation
The first step in the training and development process, designed to introduce employees to the company culture, and provide key administrative information.
On-the-job training
A training approach that requires employees to simply begin their jobs--sometimes guided by more experienced employees--and to learn as they go.
Apprenticeships
Structured training programs that mandate that each beginner serve as an assistant to a fully trained worker before gaining full credentials to work in the field.
Management development
Programs to help current and potential executives develop the skills they need to move into leadership positions.
Compensation
The combination of pay and benefits that employees receive in exchange for their work.
Wage
The pay that employees receive in exchange for the number of hours or days that they work.
Salaries
The pay that employees receive over a fixed period, most often weekly or montly.
Benefits
Noncash compensation, including programs such as helth insurance, vacation, and childcare.
cafeteria-style benefits
An approach to employee benefits that gives all employees a set dollar amount that they must spend on company benefits, allocated however they wish within broad limitations.
Flextime
A scheduling option that allows workers to choose when they start and finish their workdays, as long as they complete the required number of hours.
Compressed work-week
A version of flextime scheduling that allow employees to work a full-time number of hours in less than the standard work-week.
Telecommuting
Working remotely--most often from home--and connecting to the office via phone lines, fax machines, and broadband networks.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Federal legislation that prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, compensation, apprenticeships, training, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
A federal agency designed to regulate and enforce the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Fair Labor Standards Act 1938
Est. minimum wage and overtime pay for employees working more than 40 hours per week.
Equal Pay Act 1963
Men and women doing equal jobs must receive equal pay.
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Required safety equipment for employees and established maximum exposure limits for hazardous substances.
Immigration Reform and Control Act 1986
Employers must verify employment eligibility of all new hires.
Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
Prohibited discrimination in hiring, promotion, and compensation against people with disabilities and required employers to make "reasonable" accomadations for them.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1996
Required firms with 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of job-secure, unpaid leave on the birth or adoption or the serious illness of a spouse, child, or parent.