By If you are an HR/CIPD student and working on an assignment, then let me tell you that applying HR theories to real-life scenarios is important to showcase your critical thinking, your grasp of HR concepts in practice, and your ability to connect the theories learned in the classroom to the real workplace challenges.
Whether you are enrolled in a CIPD qualification or an HR degree, knowing how to apply HR theories to real-world scenarios is important. It makes your assignment engaging and exceptional.
If you want to learn the application of HR theories to real-world scenarios in your assignments step by step, then this blog is for you.
Why is the application of theories important?
- It links study and practice. For example, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs or Herzberg’s motivation theory move beyond the academic context and explain the behavior of employees and how companies can manage people effectively.
- It demonstrates that you can utilize the theories instead of just memorizing them.
- Your assignments reflect that you can think like an HR professional, and it’s beneficial for your career in the HR field.
Step-by-step guide on how to apply HR theory to real-world scenarios in your assignments
Step no. 1:Understand the HR theories clearly:
The first step is to understand the theories. Moreover, it means that you shouldn’t just memorize it but make sense of it in the context of human behavior, motivation, and management.
Some of the most common HR theories include:
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: it is a motivational theory based on the idea that employee motivation is based on the 5 levels of human needs. In a real-world scenario, you can use this theory to design benefit packages.
- Herzberg’s two-factor theory: This theory separates factors into hygiene factors, such as salary and policies, and motivators, such as growth and recognition. Moreover, this theory can be applied to improve job satisfaction.
- McGregor’s X and Y theory: This theory distinguishes between two management styles. Theory X assumes employees don’t like to work and are lazy, and Theory Y assumes that employees are self-motivated. A good example is that Netflix follows the Y theory. In this way, employees have autonomy, which has led to high performance and innovation in the company.
Other theories include Adams’s equity theory, Kolb’s learning cycle, and Lewin’s change management model.
Out of many HR theories, you must choose only the one that is relevant to your assignment topic. For example, if your topic is based on employee engagement, then Herzberg’s theory is more appropriate than other theories.
Moreover, if you are enrolled in CIPD Level 3, then you can also seek assistance from CIPD Level 3 assignment help.
Step no. 2: Analyze the scenario:
In your assignment, analyze the whole scenario, including the company issue, a problem case, or a workplace challenge.’
For example: high turnover, poor performance.
Discuss the causes, stakeholders involved, and the evidence to support your analyses.
For example:
A company is facing high employee turnover due to a lack of recognition and a lack of career growth opportunities.
In this scenario, Herzberg’s theory can be applied as it explains the difference between hygiene factors and motivators, such as recognition, etc.
Step 3: Connect a relevant theory to the situation:
Once you have identified the key problem in the scenario, select the most relevant HR theory. In this step, your critical thinking matters.
Example: employees are demotivated and less engaged.
Suitable theories: Maslow’s hierarchy to analyze the underlying causes and unmet needs, or Herzberg’s theory to analyze hygiene factors and motivators.
According to Herzberg’s theory, employees are satisfied with their jobs because of motivators such as recognition and personal growth. But in this company, the lack of promotion opportunities is affecting the behavior of employees and ultimately affecting their motivation.
Step no 4: Use real-world examples:
In your assignment, you can add real-world examples to make it more interesting. For this, you can use case studies or examples from famous brands.
Examples:
- Google follows Maslow’s theory by providing a sense of belonging and growth opportunities.
- Netflix: Netflix follows the McGregor’s X and Y theory, providing autonomy and responsibility to the employees.
- Unilever: applies Lewin’s change model to implement sustainability.
- NHS: uses motivation theories for employee retention.
- Tesco: follows equity theory for fair reward structures.
Step no. 5: Combine theory, real-life practice, and evidence:
An impressive assignment doesn’t just include the names of theories. Instead, it combines theory and practice to reach solutions.
Let’s look at an example:
Adams’ equity theory can explain why people leave the company. This is because they perceive unfairness in pay. Moreover, the HR department can resolve this problem by conducting a pay audit to ensure internal equity and transparent reward communication.
The key elements of this paragraph are stating the theory, discussing why this applies to this scenario, and providing a practical HR solution. Moreover, this paragraph sounds powerful.
Step no. 6: Compare and evaluate theories:
In CIPD or HR assignments, you are expected to critically evaluate theories and not just apply them.
Moreover, this can be done by comparing two theories, discussing their weaknesses, and explaining why one theory is more suitable for your scenario.
It adds to your depth of analysis and helps to secure good grades.
Step no 7: Support your points with references:
In your CIPD/ HR assignment, back up your points using academic sources and journals. It is important for credibility in your assignment.
Step no. 8: Provide practical recommendations:
After you have explained and analyzed the theories, end with a solution or a recommendation.
For example, based on Herzberg’s theory, the company should introduce more recognition programs and career growth plans to improve employee motivation..
Such critical and problem-solving skills will show your understanding.
Step no 9: Write clearly and logically:
A simple way to structure your assignment is:
Introduction: define the HR theory and explain why the application matters.
Main body: discuss the scenarios, apply the relevant theory, analyze the outcome, and evaluate.
Recommendations: suggest practical HR solutions.
Conclusion: summarize the key points and the relevance of the theory.
The key tip is to use headings and transitional phrases to add flow and coherence to your assignment.
Step no 10: Use real data:
In your CIPD or HR assignment, if you reflect on your personal experience, then it also demonstrates your understanding of the real world.
If your assignment involves collecting data(turnover rates, engagement scores), then it is better to use it to back up your analysis and recommendations.
Final thoughts
In your CIPD or HR assignment, connecting HR theories to real-world scenarios is not about referencing the academic models, but about demonstrating a strong grasp of HR concepts.
Moreover, when you can understand the theory in depth, match it with a workplace issue, use evidence and examples, and suggest relevant recommendations, you show that your mind can think like a professional, and it helps you to progress in the HR field.
An assignment that combines theory and practice reflects professional insight. Therefore, the next time you write your assignment, make sure to make it more engaging by applying theories to real-life situations!
