Human Resources and Labor Relations in Public Services (BPA 404)

Course Description

This course explores the changing civil service system within the rich, varied and pluralistic public service of today. Course topics will include recruiting, staffing, employee retention, performance management, compensation, benefits, and promotion. Labor relations, with and without a collective bargaining agreement will be studied. Students will study the resolution of disagreements using alternative dispute resolution systems designed to advance the public purpose.

Topics and Objectives

Strategic Approach to Human Resources

• Compare and contrast the traditional HR role to the strategic partnering role in the public and private sectors.
• Evaluate recruiting and selection approaches in order to determine if they meet organizational objectives.
• Determine approaches to increase employee retention.

Performance Management

• Identify the components of an effective performance management system.
• Choose appropriate performance feedback techniques in order to align employee behavior with organizational objectives.
• Develop effective employee reward systems.

Training and Organizational Development

• Explore the role of HR in the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of training programs.
• Examine the role and responsibility of HR in organizational development and change management.

Conflict Resolution Systems

• Describe approaches to the resolution of employee disagreements.
• Compare and contrast alternative dispute resolution methods.

Employee and Labor Relations

• Examine the collective bargaining process.
• Apply the functions of HR to create and sustain a high-performance organization.