Definition: Staffing can be defined as one of the most important
functions of management. It involves the process of filling the vacant
position of the right personnel at the right job, at right time. Hence,
everything will occur in the right manner.
It is a truth that human resource is one of the greatest for every
organization because in any organization all other resources like-
money, material, machine etc. can be utilized effectively and efficiently
by the positive efforts of human resource.
Therefore it is very important that each and every person should get
right position in the organization so as to get the right job, according to
their ability, talent, aptitude, and specializations so that it will help the
organization to achieve the pre-set goals in the proper way by the 100%
contribution of manpower. Thus it can be said that it is staffing is an
essential function of every business organization.
Importance of Staffing
Efficient Performance of Other Functions
For the efficient performance of other functions of management,
staffing is its key. Since, if an organization does not have the
competent personnel, then it cannot perform the functions of
management like planning, organizing and control functions properly.
Effective Use of Technology and Other Resources
What is staffing and technology’s connection? Well, it is the human
factor that is instrumental in the effective utilization of the latest
technology, capital, material, etc. the management can ensure the right
kinds of personnel by performing the staffing function.
Optimum Utilization of Human Resources
The wage bill of big concerns is quite high. Also, a huge amount is
spent on recruitment, selection, training, and development of
employees. To get the optimum output, the staffing function should be
performed in an efficient manner.
Development of Human Capital
Another function of staffing is concerned with human capital
requirements. Since the management is required to determine in
advance the manpower requirements. Therefore, it has also to train and
develop the existing personnel for career advancement. This will meet
the requirements of the company in the future.
The Motivation of Human Resources
In an organization, the behaviour of individuals is influenced by various
factors which are involved such as education level, needs, socio-cultural
factors, etc. Therefore, the human aspects of the organization have
become very important and so that the workers can also be motivated
by financial and non-financial incentives in order to perform their
functions properly in achieving the objectives.
Building Higher Morale
The right type of climate should be created for the workers to contribute
to the achievement of the organizational objectives. Therefore, by
performing the staffing function effectively and efficiently, the
management is able to describe the significance and importance which
it attaches to the personnel working in the enterprise.
FACTORS AFFECTING
STAFFING | INTERNAL AND
EXTERNAL FACTORS
Internal Factors Affecting Staffing
1. Image of the organization: An organization's image in the labour market has a significant impact
on the success of its staffing activities.
If a company has a positive reputation in the labour market, it will attract the best and most qualified
candidates.
The reverse is also true, if a firm has a bad reputation in the labour market, its staffing efforts may
fail to attract the best candidates.
The image of a company in the labour market will largely depend on its staffing policies and
practices.
Good staffing practices include the provision of training and development programs, good working
conditions, and career growth and development.
2. Plan and conditions of the organization: The staffing process and procedures adopted by an
organization are highly dependent on its business plans.
More workers will be required if the organization expects to grow and expand its scope of
operations.
Plus, the organization may spend more on training and development of employees to increase the
capacity of employees for growth and diversification.
Conversely, if an organization is declining, it might focus its staffing process on laying off more
workers to cope with declining operations.
3. Technology used by the organization: Staffing is affected by the technology used by an
organization.
If a company has machines that can execute human functions, it may not need to hire as many
people.
Similarly, if an organization's business relies on a constantly evolving technology, it would
continuously provide training to keep its employees updated on new technologies.
4. Size of the organization: The staffing practices adopted by an organization invariably depend on
its size.
Generally, small organizations do not have the same staffing practices as large organizations
This is because a large organization has more resources to invest in intensive training and
development of its personnel compared to a small organization with limited resources.
External factors affecting staffing
1. Labour laws: Every organization is located in a country, meaning that it must abide by the laws
made by the government of the country.
Because staffing is a labour-related activity, the company must follow all applicable labour laws.
In most countries, it is considered illegal and child abuse to have children in the workforce of an
organization.
Similarly, in some countries, the minimum wages Act mandates an organization to fix its workers'
minimum wages at or above the minimum wages.
It is, therefore, necessary that every organization take note of applicable laws while performing their
staffing activities.
2. Competition for human resources: Cut-throat competition among organizations for acquiring
competent and experienced workers has resulted in organisations rethinking their employment
process.
In a bid to attract qualified and suitable staff, companies have changed their staffing policies and
offered attractive salaries and other irresistible job benefits.
Even existing employees are not left out! companies are now changing their employee welfare
packages in a bid to retain good and hardworking employees in the organization.
3. Pressure from socio-political group: The activities of socio-political groups (such as pressure
groups and political parties) have a significant impact on an organization's staffing efforts.
This group usually exert pressure on businesses to hire more locals than foreigners.
4. Economic environment: Economic variables such as national income, inflation rate, and
the unemployment rate can influence the staffing processes of an organization
Generally, when an economy is in recession, businesses tend to lay off more workers.
Conversely, when an economy is booming, business tends to hire more workers.
5. Social factors: Staffing is also affected by social factors.
Religious beliefs, culture, social structures and demographics are some of the social factors that can
affect staffing.
In some countries, for example, women are not permitted to work in physically demanding jobs or
ones that need constant travel.
