Staffing
Staffing means filling and keeping filled positions with people who have the right qualifications. The exam tests the staffing process, recruitment versus selection, and training versus development.
Core rules
- Process: manpower planning; recruitment; selection; placement and orientation; training and development; performance appraisal; promotion and transfer; compensation.
- Recruitment attracts candidates and creates a pool; selection screens and rejects. Recruitment precedes selection.
- Internal sources include promotion and transfer; external sources include campus, placement agencies, advertisements and employment exchanges.
- Training improves skills for the present job; development prepares for future roles. On-the-job methods include apprenticeship and coaching; off-the-job methods include classroom lectures and vestibule training.
Worked example
A firm needs five experienced sales executives within a month. Internal promotion would motivate staff but may not yield five ready candidates quickly. External recruitment expands the pool but costs more and carries hiring risk. The reasoned choice is a mixed policy: promote one internal candidate and recruit four externally, then use induction and sales training for product knowledge.
Traps
Do not use recruitment and selection interchangeably. Do not say selection creates a pool; it reduces it. Training is not the same as development. Placement is assigning the job; orientation introduces the employee to the organisation.