The changing role of HRM

The focus of Human Resource departments is often thought of as "to pick and maintain the right person for the job" in a "one-size-fits-all" way (Workhuman, 2022a). However, in a VUCA - volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous - world (Bennett & Lemoine, 2014), this approach is no longer providing the pay-offs to organisations or individuals that it once did. 

In the diagram accompanying this post, the developmental aspect of HR is clearly illustrated in the Human Resource Development (or HRD) quadrant's four sections including: T&D (sometimes known as L&D); organisational development; career development (aka OCM); and orientation and culture (Workhuman, 2022b, amendments by Young, 2023).

Considering these elements reminds us that that the functions of HR are quite varied and complex. This model presents HRD as one of three key areas, which I like to think of as growth, processes, and information. The other two areas are HRIS (including HRISS, Labour Relations, EAPs, and rewards), and the HRM functions (organisation and job design, selection and staffing, HR planning, and performance management). 

Today the role of HR appears to focus more on matching the needs of staff to organisational needs, while providing internal organisational support so that both staff and the organisation are able to accomplish their specific goals. This requires the creation of a "growth culture with program[me]s and policies that promote up-skilling and development" (Workhuman, 2022a). 

There is a greater focus on training and development within the HR function enabling all organisational players to become "more agile and resilient" (Workhuman, 2022a) ...and more adaptable. This means that - finally - organisations take a truly developmental approach to staff and to the organisation (Inkson et al., 2015). 

Organisations are very complex systems, requiring a lot of varied expertise to run well. Just a simple tour through a model brings that complexity home to us. 

Sam

References:

Bennett, N. & Lemoine, G. J. (2014). What VUCA Really Means for You. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/01/what-vuca-really-means-for-you

Inkson, K., Dries, N., & Arnold, J. (2015). Chapter 14: Organizational Career Management. In Understanding Careers (2nd ed., pp. 309-324). SAGE Publications Ltd.

WorkHuman. (12 December 2022a). What is Human Resource Development (HRD)? 2023 Complete Guide. https://www.workhuman.com/blog/human-resource-development-hrd/#what8

WorkHuman. (12 December 2022b). What are the 7 elements of human resource development? [image]. https://www.workhuman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HRD-wheel_PNG.png