Managing Human Resources in the Public SectorModule Details

Rationale

Students of Public Administration need to grasp the nuanced operational contexts of public sector organisations. A course in Human Resource Management specifically for the public sector equips them with essential knowledge of HR principles, and the role of line managers, and addresses contemporary HR challenges, ensuring they're well-prepared for their future roles.
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of personnel management in government institutions, focusing on skills like recruitment, performance evaluation, labour relations, and policy implementation tailored to public sector needs. It also emphasises ethical awareness and accountability in HR decision-making within governmental organisations.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)    Assess recent literature on Human Resources Management debating on issues raised for public administration management.
(ii)   Review several key Human Resources Management practices in the public sector.
(iii)  Construct well supported recommendations for change and improvement of key Human Resources Management practices in the public sector.
(iv)  Apply their learning of Human Resources Management theory and practice to a series of problems and challenges typically faced by public sector line managers.
(v)   Reflect on the tensions involved in adopting private sector approaches to HRM in the public sector and debate ways in which these tensions can be dealt with.