HUMAN RESOURCES
The concept
Traditionally, the study of economics and politics refers to human resources as something akin to labor forces. However, this traditional meaning of human resources has undergone a rapid change. In the commercial world today, human resources refer to all the manpower involved in the process of running the organization.
Traditional theory of human resources
A consensus of opinion emerged with ISO 9000 standards requiring a job specification for every person engaged in an organization. Trade Unionists advocate labor mobility in a social welfare system and urge that it allows proper utilization of human resources making the economy productive. Disputes, however, have arisen over migration of guest human resources from neighboring countries to a developing country as essential part of economic resurgence. While some support determination of denomination for human resources hiring, others oppose it considering these arbitrary system.
The ISO 9000 standards
A consensus of opinion emerged with ISO 9000 standards requiring a job specification for every person engaged in an organization. Trade Unionists advocate labor mobility in a social welfare system and urge that it allows proper utilization of human resources making the economy productive. Disputes, however, have arisen over migration of guest human resources from neighboring countries to a developing country as essential part of economic resurgence. While some support determination of denomination for human resources hiring, others oppose it considering these arbitrary system.
The concept of stolen human resources
This is one peculiar concept that had its origin in the African slavery system which is till date one of the most abominable systems in the world. This was a system where human capital was converted to human resources just like any other commodities.
The modern trend
In the present day the situation has undergone an abrupt change with the recognition of the fact that human resources have much more to contribute for any productive enterprise than only “work”. The traditional theory that human resources contribute only through labor and enterprise has also changed with the comprehension of the fact that creativity is something much more than combination of these two components. Thus the traditional and narrow theory of hiring, firing, and job description has been completely outdated. The modern and perhaps the more appropriate definition of human resources has been “firm specific human capital”.
Human resource and recruitment
No reference to human resources can be complete without at least a passing reference to the process of recruitment. Selections are made for any job on the basis of a job analysis that determines the expertise and skill level required for a particular work. Some external issues like the current manpower trend in the market, availability of skilled workers of a specific type, legislations affecting the process etc also affect the process of recruitment. However, internal influences are easier to control than the external ones, many of which are beyond the control of the selectors. Recruitment methods differ from place to place and with system and social backgrounds. However, the common requirement is a proper description of the job and the eligibility criteria.
Human resources management is a necessity.
For ensuring the progress of an economy and for rejuvenation of a social structure it is essential that the human resources available are adequately and properly managed. There are instances where uneconomic utilization of available or surplus manpower has adversely affected the economy whereas rational utilization of such resources has really given the economy a jumpstart. A scientific study of the human resources available in a country is therefore a necessity. It will classify the available resources according to their utility and prospects so that optimum use of such human resources can be made. The assumption is that employees are individuals. Their needs and aims vary from person to person and should be considered in that perspective taking a positive view of the workers.
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