Group Theories

Research two group theories. Explain the need for human resource planning in project management (Utilize the knowledge of different group theories)

Human Resources Management (HRM) is the management of people in specific areas. HRM is considered as managing individual skills and competencies to add value to the company. Human resources is the function that deals with people in charge of a project. In other words, HRM is about organizing and managing a project team. Project Management requires a group of people organized in teams which aims to achieve specific goals according to a given project. The HR role in Project Management is composed by several ‘layers’. The three main processes within the HR role in Project Management are: Selecting, Training and Managing.

The selection process entails choosing people that are going to be part of the Project Team (PT). Selecting people means constituting a PT according to skills needed. The role of HR in this process is to identify and hire people having the closest competencies that fit with project needs and requirements. During the selection process, the group psychology theory of 'The Halo Effect' should be taken into high consideration. The halo effect is a psychological phenomenon in which we extrapolate one good trait to determine other traits. This is because we perceive beautiful people as smarter, more hardworking, honest and organized. the halo effect can have a big impact on decision making – and thus on the team. To prevent the halo effect from occurring, HR will have to make data-driven decisions when selecting individuals.

Training is the manner for HR manager to develop the required competencies of a team. It is a key process because it plays a role in the added value of a project managing team. This means how to organize the team and evaluate its performance. Group-think is a phenomenon in which a group takes on a mind on its own. This happens because groups are a potent influence on our behavior. The most charismatic individual tends to take over, and even when the sessions are conducted by the most seasoned professional. During the training process, the group psychology theory of 'Group Think' should be taken into high consideration. Group-Think affects project management because it doesn't promote innovative ideas. Innovation, by definition means radical, and radical ideas are often questioned by the group and subsequently disregarded.

Managing a team is the way of motivating people to achieve their goal. It also includes the method used to succeed in the project. The process of managing a team is the most difficult: it has to be done carefully to allow project success. Monitoring performance is the aim of the process. The assessment of overall performance has to be done regularly during the time of project. To be more effective, a team project has to evolve in a trustful atmosphere. Trust is a variable of efficiency and motivation. Conflict avoidance is also difficult to evaluate since it has a direct effect on general motivation.