An explanation of how organisations are whole systems, within which aspects such as structure, systems and culture, are all inter-related, and how people professionals’ work and actions could impact elsewhere in the organisation. (AC 2.2)
Organisations are complex systems composed of components such as structure, systems, and culture that are interrelated and have an impact on one another (Li et al., 2023). The hierarchy and labour division of an organisation influence the policies and practices implemented to achieve goals. Moreover, the norms, values, and beliefs that define an organization’s culture have an impact on how its members interact and behave. These connections mean that as human resources professionals, our efforts and decisions can have a big effect on the entire company (Li et al., 2023).
For instance, changes to HR policies and procedures established by people specialists may have an impact on reporting lines, job duties, and decision-making procedures. Similarly, initiatives to foster a healthy work environment can increase productivity and employee satisfaction, which in turn impacts the performance of the firm (Li et al., 2023). Examples of these initiatives include emphasising diversity and inclusion or implementing staff wellness programmes.
Moreover, employee motivation, drive, and retention rates are significantly impacted by personnel managers’ efforts in talent acquisition, training and development, and performance management. A well-designed recruitment strategy that aligns with the organization’s values and goals can help attract top people and strengthen the workforce. In a similar vein, supporting employee training and development programmes improves employees’ individual skills while also encouraging creativity and organisational learning (Li et al., 2023).
Due to the interconnectivities of the entire organisation system, the actions of people professionals impact on other areas within the organisation. For example, implementing a robust talent acquisition strategy not only fills immediate vacancies but also enhances the organization’s long-term capabilities. Effective training and development programs can lead to higher employee engagement and innovation, which positively impacts other areas of the organization, such as customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
An explanation of why it is important that organisational change is planned, and effectivelymanaged. (AC 3.1)
Organizational change is a fundamental aspect of business evolution, driven by factors such as market dynamics, technological advancements, and internal needs. Planning and managing organisational change well is essential to minimising risks, optimising benefits, and guaranteeing seamless transitions. This involves a number of important concerns for our medium-sized business.
Planned change allows for the anticipation and mitigation of potential disruptions to business operations. Organisations can anticipate problems and create plans to deal with them head-on by carefully evaluating the effects of suggested changes, such reorganising departments or putting new technological systems into place (Errida & Lotfi, 2021). By reducing the possibility of staff resistance, customer discontent, and productivity losses, service delivery and corporate success are guaranteed to continue.
Effective change management fosters employee engagement and commitment to the change process. Encouraging employees and helping them adjust to change requires open communication, participation in decision-making, and support systems (Errida & Lotfi, 2021). This can lessen resistance, allay anxieties and uncertainties, and promote an adaptive and resilient culture inside the company.
Planned and well-managed change enables organizations to capitalize on emerging opportunities and stay ahead of competitors. Organisations can use change as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and enhanced competitive advantage by coordinating change projects with their strategic goals (Cimini et al., 2020). For instance, implementing agile processes or embracing digital transformation might help our company succeed commercially by improving customer experiences, responding to market demands more quickly, and so on.