In providing this specialized assistance, the human resource manager carries out three distinct functions:
- A line function: The human resource manager directs the activities of the people in his or her own department, and perhaps in related areas.
- A coordinative function: The human resource manager also coordinates personnel activities, a duty often referred to as functional authority. Here he or she ensures that line managers are implementing the firm’s human resource policies and practices.
- Staff functions: Assisting and advising line managers is the heart of the human resource manager’s job. He or she advises the CEO so the CEO can better understand the personnel aspects of the company’s strategic options. HR assists in hiring, training, evaluating, rewarding, counseling, promoting, and firing employees. It administers the various benefit programs. It helps line managers comply with equal employment and occupational safety laws, and plays an important role in handling grievances and labor relations. It carries ort an innovator role, by providing up-to date information on current trends and new methods for better utilizing the company’s employees. It plays an employee advocacy role, by representing the interests of employees within the framework of its primary obligation to senior management.