Explain whether front-end managers have an active role in HR.
Compare the functions and practices of human resource managers with front-end managers.
Discuss two examples to support your point of view on the functions and practices of human resource managers with front-end managers.
Solution
Front-end managers mainly focus on overseeing the daily operations of the organization. These managers also have an active role in HR. They act as a link between employees and higher-level management. They are thus involved in services such as resolving conflicts and addressing employee concerns. Front-end managers also work together with HR managers in various ways such as during implementation of HR policies, training and policy management (Kulik & Perry, 2023). They work together with HR to address performance issues.
HR managers handle human capital for the organization. They take part in the hiring and firing of the workforce, provide data for strategic planning, and the development of performance management strategies. They also take part in the implementation of the said management strategies and handle employee relations for the entire organization (Kulik & Perry, 2023). Front-end managers on the other hand, deal with tasks such as team leadership, operational management of their assigned teams, implementation of team projects, and performance management of team members.
Take an example of a task, say, in performance management. The HR manager will be in charge of designing and implementing the performance management strategies if the entire organization. They may design key performance indicators (KPIs), facilitate training of managers and address performance issues on the implementation of the strategies across the organization (Kulik & Perry, 2023). On the other hand, the role of the front-end manager will be responsible only about their team’s performance. They may set standards, assess members’ and team achievements, and address members’ performance issues (Kulik & Perry, 2023). Another example would be on recruitment. HR managers hire and fire employees in the organization, while front-end managers give input on the skills and qualities necessary for their team members.