Comparison of Line Managers' and HR Professionals' Perception of HR as an Activity: a Qualitative Exploration of a Finnish Research and Education Organisation

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Bachelor's thesis

Date

2017

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business

Language

en

Pages

55

Series

Abstract

Objectives The main objectives of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences in line managers’ and HR professionals’ perception of HR as an activity in a Finnish research and education organisation. This was achieved by looking at the perceived activities, roles, added value and improvement of HR of both line managers and HR professionals. Summary Overall, perception of line managers and HR professionals on HR as an activity is similar in many aspects such as aim, activity and added value. Differences arose in the roles of HR. In these line managers and HR coordinators saw the role of HR as an administrative expert where as HR managers and specialist saw it as evolving from the administrative side to a strategic partner. A contradiction also came apparent with how the role of the change agent is perceived and how it works in reality. Lastly, differences in perception came apparent in how HR can further increase their contribution to the organisation. Conclusions Main differences between line managers and HR professionals’ perception were in the shift from an administrative expert to a strategic partner. This revealed differences between different ranked HR professionals as well, HR managers being in more favour of this shift. Perceptions on the aim, activities and ways to add value were quite similar, which reflects the overall positive perception of HR.

Description

Thesis advisor

Warhurst, Russell

Keywords

human resource management, perception, line managers, HR professionals

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