What is a characteristic of hard human resources?

A characteristic of hard human resources is that it sees HR as a control mechanism. This perspective emphasizes the management of employees in terms of policies, procedures, and strict adherence to organizational rules. It focuses on the efficiency and productivity of the workforce and tends to prioritize the organization’s objectives over individual employee needs. By positioning HR as a function that controls and manages employee performance, hard HR practices typically involve quantitative metrics and performance evaluations to ensure that organizational goals are met.

In contrast, the other options reflect a softer approach to human resources. Options that focus on employee development, teamwork, and encouraging communication represent a more holistic and supportive view of HR, where the emphasis is on nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and facilitating open dialogues within the workforce. These characteristics align with what is commonly referred to as soft human resources, which prioritize employee engagement and growth.