2.Inconsistent Policies
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Consistent policies are critical for effective human resource management. Policies serve as a guide for employees and provide a framework for decision-making. However, when policies are inconsistent or not enforced consistently, it can lead to a range of negative consequences for both employees and the organization. In this blog, we will examine the negative impact of inconsistent policies on human resource management and explore strategies for improving policy consistency within the workplace.
According to Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, "policies should be clear, consistent, and regularly updated to reflect changes in the organization and external environment" (Armstrong & Taylor, 2014, p. 551). When policies are inconsistent or not enforced consistently, it can result in a range of negative consequences, including:
- Confusion: Inconsistent policies can lead to confusion among employees about what is expected of them. This can result in employees making decisions that are not aligned with the organization's goals or values.
- Inequity: Inconsistent policies can lead to inequity among employees, with some employees receiving preferential treatment over others. This can create resentment and lower morale among employees.
- Increased risk: Inconsistent policies can increase the risk of legal challenges or grievances from employees. This can result in costly legal battles and damage to the organization's reputation.
- Decreased trust: Inconsistent policies can decrease trust between employees and the organization. This can lead to employees feeling like they are not valued or respected, resulting in decreased engagement and motivation.
To address these negative consequences, it is essential for organizations to prioritize policy consistency in their human resource management practices. This can be achieved through several strategies, including:
- Regular review: Policies should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect changes in the organization and external environment.
- Clear communication: Policies should be communicated clearly to all employees, with specific examples provided to ensure understanding.
- Consistent enforcement: Policies should be enforced consistently across all employees and departments. This can be achieved through training, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
- Employee feedback: Employees should be encouraged to provide feedback on policies and suggest improvements. This can help ensure policies are relevant and effective.
In conclusion, inconsistent policies can have serious negative consequences for human resource management, including confusion, inequity, increased risk, and decreased trust. To address these issues, organizations must prioritize policy consistency through regular review, clear communication, consistent enforcement, and employee feedback. By doing so, they can create a positive work environment and improve employee engagement, motivation, and productivity.
References:
Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2014). Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers.
I agree with the author's argument that consistent policies are critical for effective human resource management. To address these negative consequences, the author suggests that organizations prioritize policy consistency through regular review, clear communication, consistent enforcement, and employee feedback. As noted by Briscoe, Schuler, and Tarique (2012), clear communication is essential to ensure that policies are understood by all employees. Consistent enforcement, as suggested by Farnham (2015), can be achieved through training, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms. Finally, employee feedback, as recommended by Pedler, Burgoyne, and Boydell (2013), can help ensure policies are relevant and effective.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I agree with the author that consistent policies are critical for effective human resource management, and that organizations must prioritize policy consistency through regular review, clear communication, consistent enforcement, and employee feedback