After Alpha Ltd. grew large, it set up a Human Resource Department with specialists for each of its functions. The production manager then said, ‘Selecting and training people for my department is no longer my job.’ Which of the following is correct about his view?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → He is wrong, as staffing is a function which all managers need to perform.
Option (1) He is right, as the human resource department now performs the staffing function in place of line managers. — Incorrect. The department only plays an advisory role, its staff activity. Staffing stays an essential function of every manager, its line activity.
Option (2) He is wrong, as staffing is a function which all managers need to perform. — Correct. Staffing is a function which all managers need to perform. Every manager must directly deal with and select his people. The department only helps him.
Option (3) He is right, as staffing has now become a distinct functional area like financial management. — Incorrect. Staffing is a distinct functional area. But it is also a function of every manager, so his view still fails.
Option (4) He is wrong, as staffing is closely linked to controlling, a function every manager performs. — Incorrect. Staffing is closely linked to organising: once positions are decided, people are needed to fill them.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Staffing as part of Human Resource Management It is a function which all managers need to perform. It is a separate and specialised function and there are many aspects of human relations to be considered. It is the job of managers to fill positions in their organisation and to make sure that they remain occupied with qualified people. Staffing is closely linked to organising since after the structure and positions have been decided, people are required to work in these positions. …” “Evolution of Human Resource Management … It is important to understand that staffing is both a function of management just like planning, organising, directing, and controlling as well as a distinct functional area of management just as marketing management and financial management. Staffing, is therefore, referred to as both a line as well as a staff activity i.e., an essential function of the manager as well as an advisory role played by the Human Resource Department.” |