Managers and HR Implementation: The Role of Political Skill and Communication
Start Date
August 2025
End Date
August 2025
Location
ALT 303
Abstract
An often-overlooked aspect of a manager’s responsibilities is their need to implement human resource (HR) practices. These practices play a big role in the success of individuals, teams, and organizations. For example, a manager may be given a process for conducting performance management appraisals by their HR department and told to put it into practice. The purpose of our research is to examine certain managerial characteristics that make HR practice implementation more (or less) successful from manager to manager. Data were gathered from 32 units of a regional restaurant chain and feature 385 employees. The research program Qualtrics was the primary tool used to collect and gather data from participating restaurants and employees. Coded macros and advanced techniques in Microsoft Excel were implemented to the data collected and were transformed into clear data visualizations so results and interpretations could be drawn. Our findings suggest that mangers who have strong political skill (which is an individulal’s ability to understand others at work and to use that knowledge to accomplish objectives) and good communication are able to implement HR practice more effectively.
Managers and HR Implementation: The Role of Political Skill and Communication
ALT 303
An often-overlooked aspect of a manager’s responsibilities is their need to implement human resource (HR) practices. These practices play a big role in the success of individuals, teams, and organizations. For example, a manager may be given a process for conducting performance management appraisals by their HR department and told to put it into practice. The purpose of our research is to examine certain managerial characteristics that make HR practice implementation more (or less) successful from manager to manager. Data were gathered from 32 units of a regional restaurant chain and feature 385 employees. The research program Qualtrics was the primary tool used to collect and gather data from participating restaurants and employees. Coded macros and advanced techniques in Microsoft Excel were implemented to the data collected and were transformed into clear data visualizations so results and interpretations could be drawn. Our findings suggest that mangers who have strong political skill (which is an individulal’s ability to understand others at work and to use that knowledge to accomplish objectives) and good communication are able to implement HR practice more effectively.
