Question

Explain the first five steps involved in selecting a suitable workforce in an organization. 

Answer 1

Efficient performance of staffing involves the following activities or steps :

1. Estimating Manpower Requirements or Human Resource planning: This is the first step in the process of staffing. It is concerned with determining the number and type of staff required for the organization. lt involves the following steps :
(i) making an inventory of current human resources in terms of their qualifications, training and skills; and 
(ii) assessing future human resource needs of all the departments. 
Job analysis is concerned with finding details related to all jobs. After conducting a job analysis, the managers come to know the qualifications and qualities of employees required to perform each job.

2. Recruitment: It involves attracting suitable people to apply for vacant jobs in the organization. Recruitment refers to the identification of the sources of manpower availability and making efforts to secure applicants for the various job positions in the organization. 

3. Selection: Selection is the process of choosing and appointing the right candidates for various jobs in the organization. It includes receiving and screening of applications,  employment tests, interviews and medical examination of candidates together with verification of references.

4. Placement and Orientation: When a new employee reports for duty. he is to be placed on the job for which he is best suited. Placement is a very important process as it can ensure the " right person doing the right job''. If a new employee is not able to adjust to his job. he may be given some training or transferred to some other job.
Orientation is concerned with the process of introducing or orienting a new employee to the organization. The new employees are familiarised with their units. supervisors and fellow employees. They are also to be informed about the working hours, tea or coffee breaks, lunch period. procedure for availing leaves, safety precautions, medical facilities. transport facilities. etc.

5. Training and Development: Systematic training helps in increasing the skills and knowledge of employees in doing their jobs. Various methods of training can be used to enhance the knowledge and skills of the employees. On-the-job methods are more useful for the operative employees and off-the-job methods can also be employed for the supervisory personnel.