Resource Center

Purpose: To provide users with a rapid assessment tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the HRM system including the effectiveness to mitigate the impact of HIV & AIDS on the health workforce and to help users develop an action plan to improve the system.

Description: The HRM Assessment Tool is a self-evaluation instrument designed to be used by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and public sector health institutions to assess the status of the Human Resource Management System and to facilitate the development of improvement strategies. The instrument is organized according to 21 core functions of a HRM system, described in five broad categories:

• HRM Capacity;
• Personnel Policy and Practice;
• HRM Data;
• Performance Management;
• Training.

The implication of the HIV & AIDS epidemic for HRM policy and practice are included in each of the five broad areas. The tool provides a systematic process through which an organization can assess how well it is functioning in relation to these characteristics and determine what steps it can take to function more effectively. MSH bases this tool on the original HR Assessment Tool developed in 1999, and it conforms to principles of participation and self-determination that guide all of MSH’s training and technical assistance activities.

Intended Users: The HRM-HIV tool is useful for organizations in countries with a high prevalence of HIV & AIDS. Although developed for health organizations, it can be effectively used by other social service organizations in both the public and private sector. It is useful for a newly formed organization to help guide the development of an optimal HRM system, as well as for established organizations facing changes.

Developed by: Management Sciences for Health in 2002; updated in 2003

Application: The HRM-HIV tool has been used with both public and private organizations in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

Advantages: The tool is easy to use. It requires little training and facilitates clear identification of critical HRM components that need strengthening and helps an organization to focus on how the HRM system can mitigate the impact of HIV & AIDS on the health workforce. It is applicable to every level of large and small, public and private, not for profit organizations. It serves as a guide to developing an optimal HRM system and as a reference for the types of HR issues that need to be addressed in successfully managing change.

Limitations: Some interpretation is required in relating the indicators to the factors in the organization. All of the documents recommended for paper review may not be available. Use of this tool and, in particular, developing an action plan, will be more effective if fully supported by the Board and/or senior level management. The tool does not measure the productivity level of employees.

Recommendation for Users: The HRM Assessment Tool adapted for HIV & AIDS Environments is best administered by staff internal to the organization. It is often useful for an external consultant to facilitate the process. Together the group will agree on the strengths and weaknesses and develop an action plan. The assessment should be used in conjunction with a review of several documents including personnel files, job descriptions, and relevant labor law.

For optimal benefit to an organization, the use of this tool needs the full support of the organization’s leadership.

Reports and Publications: None

Availability: English; French (unpublished version)

Contact:
Mary O'Neil, Senior Program Officer
Management Sciences for Health 
784 Memorial Drive 
Cambridge, MA 02139
USA
Phone:(617) 250-9500
Fax:(617) 250-9090
E-mail: toolkit@msh.org