Evolution of HRM

 

(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-evolution-of-human-resource-management-Adapted-from-Itika-2011_fig1_331810927)

Human Resource Management (HRM) has come a long way since its inception as a personnel management function in the early 20th century. The evolution of HRM has been influenced by changes in the workplace, advances in technology, and shifts in social, economic, and political contexts. Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (2014) provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of HRM and how it has evolved into the modern HR practices that we see today.

The early years of HRM can be traced back to the scientific management movement, which emphasized the need for a systematic approach to managing employees. This approach focused on maximizing efficiency through job analysis, time-motion studies, and standardization of work processes. The role of personnel managers during this time was primarily administrative, focused on hiring, training, and scheduling employees.

The next phase of HRM evolution began in the 1950s and 1960s when human relations theorists challenged the scientific management approach. They emphasized the importance of social and psychological factors in the workplace, such as employee motivation, job satisfaction, and group dynamics. This led to a shift in HRM from a focus on efficiency to a focus on employee well-being and job satisfaction.

In the 1970s and 1980s, HRM evolved further with the emergence of strategic management theories. This approach emphasized the importance of aligning HR practices with organizational goals and strategies. This led to a greater emphasis on talent management, workforce planning, and performance management as key HR functions.

The 1990s saw the emergence of a more customer-centric approach to HRM, with a focus on providing high-quality service to internal customers (i.e., employees) and external customers (i.e., clients and customers). This approach emphasized the importance of employee engagement, communication, and teamwork in achieving organizational goals.

In the 21st century, HRM has continued to evolve with the rapid advances in technology and globalization. This has led to a greater emphasis on virtual work, telecommuting, and remote work arrangements. HRM has also become more data-driven with the use of HR analytics to inform decision-making and HR practices.

In conclusion, Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (2014) provides a detailed overview of the evolution of HRM, from its origins as a personnel management function focused on administrative tasks to a strategic function focused on talent management, employee engagement, and aligning HR practices with organizational goals. As organizations continue to face new challenges, HRM will undoubtedly continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce and the workplace.

References:

Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2014). Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers.

Comments

  1. We have observed how human resource management has developed over time and how things have grown more scientific. We must now consider the potential direction of this field's future trends. According to predictions, HR officials will likely lead businesses through anticipated difficulties in the near future, according to predictions. Additionally, they will develop greater agility and decision-making speed. (Edureka, 2022)

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  2. The article's assessment of the evolution of HRM is well explained. As the workplace continues to change and evolve, it is crucial for HRM to adapt and meet the new demands and challenges faced by organizations. As such, organizations must focus more on SHRM if they want to compete in the present business environment.

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  3. A good article on evolution of HRM.

    While it is true that HRM has evolved with the advencement of technology and globalization, there are some downsides to this evolution. One of the biggest challenges of virtual work, telecommuting, and remote work arrangements is the potential for isolation and lack of connection among employees, which can lead to reduced productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

    What is your view on the same?

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    Replies
    1. My view is all the business sectors can not follow the virtual work system. Only a few sectors can function in that. In Transportation and construction sector virtual work is not possible.

      Delete
  4. Thank you for the great article!
    It's a fascinating overview of how human resource management has evolved over the years, starting from employee welfare to the present day. I appreciate the detailed explanation of the different eras of HRM, including the welfare era, the personnel era, and the strategic era.

    Here's my question for the author: how do you think HR professionals can stay relevant and adapt to the ever-changing HRM techniques?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think by continuous learning HR professionals can stay relevant.

      Delete
  5. I completely agree with the blog that HRM has undergone significant changes over the years, driven by the social, economic, and technological advancements in the workplace. As cited by Briscoe et al. (2012), the evolution of HRM has seen a shift from the administrative tasks of hiring and scheduling employees to a strategic function focused on talent management and aligning HR practices with organizational goals. This transition is reflected in the emergence of strategic management theories in the 1970s and 1980s, as emphasized by Edwards and Rees (2011).

    Furthermore, the blog highlights the customer-centric approach to HRM, which places a greater emphasis on employee engagement and communication. This is echoed by Gilmore and Williams (2009), who emphasize the importance of employee engagement in achieving organizational goals. The shift towards a more data-driven approach to HRM is also in line with the trends identified by Lawler and Boudreau (2015), who emphasize the importance of HR analytics in informing decision-making and HR practices.
    This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of HRM, from its roots in scientific management to its current focus on talent management and aligning HR practices with organizational goals. As cited by Farnham (2015), the continued evolution of HRM will be critical in helping organizations adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and the workplace.

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  6. A well explained blog on the evolution of HRM. with the evolution, the companies started creating a positive work environment where the employees were satisfied and hence started showing more productivity. The impact of the evolution of HRM was significant, as it marked a shift towards a more structured approach to managing the workforce. A well written blog.

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  7. Based on the disciplinary theory that is evolving, the Human Resource Management has evolved in a way that is not restricted to a particular manner by responding to issues that frequently change, concepts along with challenges rather than in a logical and deductive way (Mahoney and Deckop, 1986).

    ReplyDelete

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