Evolution of Human Resource Management
History Of Human Resource Management
What is Human Resource Management?
Armstrong (2006) defined Human Resource Management as a strategic and coherent approach in managing people in organisation. Human resource management ensure people have positive workplace where they are nurtured and supported. Functions of Human Resource Management might be different depending on the industry, but some of the core functions applicable to any organisation regardless of the business type. Said core functions are,
Recruitment
Managing Compensation and benefits
Providing training and conducting training programmes.
Employee relations
Human Resource Management often considered as Vital element in Successful Organisation. Core of an organisation is people. To obtain and maintain competitive advantages, more than finance or technology , what organisation need is human resources. Since human resource management specifically plays a significant role in Service providing industry it can be considers as the heart of every organisation.
Origin of Human Resource Management.
History of Human resource management goes as far as prehistoric period. According to historical evidence, in some tribes there has been certain procedures to select tribal leaders (Jones & Bartlett,2014). Methods and practices to protect and ensure safety during hunting season passed on from generation to generation within tribes.
Ancient Chinese Dynasties used employee screening procedures, While Greeks and Romans used apprentice system (History of Human Resource Management,2010). However, it’s safe to say that the foundation of modern Human resource management implemented during Industrial revolution period.
Industrial Revolution and Human Resource Management.
According to Smith (1984) Industrial revolution incur a battle between wealth and labor. Factory owners had very little concerns towards personal welfare of workers. As an act of rebel towards demanding work conditions work force started to form trade unions and protested. After many strikes, boycotts, picketing, and sabotages Employers understood the value of work force and as a form or consideration new labor laws and Acts implemented. According to 1833 factory Act it is necessary to have male factory inspectors. The first trade union conference was held in 1868.
Welfare officers appointed to protect Women in the work force. Welfare officer position created to resolve grievances cause by,
Harsh work Conditions
Pressure due to meeting target set by Franchise
Influence of trade unions
As the industries expanded so did the pressure put on workers. As the tension grew between work force and management, responsibilities of welfare officers also increased, and importance of the position also grew through the industrial revolution. By 1916 having Welfare officers became compulsory in every factory. (Durai P,2010).
References
Armstrong, M. (2006) A handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, (10th ed.) Kogan Page, London.
Boudreau,J. and Ramstad , P.(2009) HR’s evolution. HR Monthly, April, p.34.
Durai, P.(2010),Human Resource Management, Pearson education publications
Dowling, P. and Roots, A (2009) ‘Review of Boudreau, P. and Ramstad, A (2009) Beyond HR: The new science of human capital, US, HBS Press’ , in research and Practice in Human Resource Management , July , p. 268.
Kaizenlog, (2006). The historical background of human resource management.
Klerck,G. (2009). Industrial relations and human resource management. In D.G. Collings & G. Wood (Eds.), Human resource management: A critical approach (pp. 238-259). London: Routledge.
I agree with the blog post that Human Resource Management (HRM) is a vital element in the success of an organization, as it ensures that the organization has the right people in the right roles, and that they are nurtured and supported. As Armstrong (2006) defined, HRM is a strategic and coherent approach in managing people in an organization. The core functions of HRM, such as recruitment, managing compensation and benefits, providing training, and conducting training programs, are applicable to any organization regardless of the business type.
ReplyDeleteThe history of HRM can be traced back to prehistoric times, where certain procedures were used to select tribal leaders (Jones & Bartlett, 2014). However, the foundation of modern HRM was laid during the Industrial Revolution, where the tension grew between the work force and management. As the industries expanded, the pressure put on workers increased, and so did the responsibilities of welfare officers who were appointed to resolve grievances caused by harsh work conditions, pressure due to meeting targets set by franchise, and the influence of trade unions. As a result, having welfare officers became compulsory in every factory by 1916 (Durai P, 2010).
This blog post provides a fascinating and insightful look into the history and evolution of Human
ReplyDeleteResource Management, highlighting its roots in ancient civilizations and the critical
developments during the Industrial Revolution. The discussion on the origins of HRM in tribal
leadership selection and the practices of ancient Chinese dynasties showcases the long-standing
importance of managing human resources effectively.
The focus on the Industrial Revolution and its impact on HRM is particularly compelling, as it
sheds light on the emergence of welfare officers and labor laws that laid the foundation for
modern HR practices. It is intriguing to see how the struggles of the workforce during that period
led to the recognition of the importance of a more human-centered approach to management.
This historical context demonstrates the vital role that HRM has played in shaping organizations
and their treatment of employees over time.
Overall, this blog post is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in
understanding the origins of HRM and the events that have shaped its development into the
crucial organizational function it is today.