Human Resources Management Has Changed

Human resources management has changed significantly over the past decade as companies learn to do business in a new, technologically advanced global economy. Because the task of human resource management involves so many facets -- influencing the competencies, behaviors, and motivations of the employees -- human resource managers must stay up-to-date on important changes in the business world. There are many ways that this field has changed recently, including a focus on company values and community involvement; working with multi-cultural workforces; dealing with globalization; and incorporating new technologies.

Over the past few years, the pressure on companies to be good members of their communities has increased. Companies that are good neighbors often encourage their employees to volunteer in the community, and the human resources manager is often put in charge of coordinating this effort, since it involves managing their time and motivating them to participate. Socially responsible companies also choose to hire a different cadre of employees -- ones who fit with the values of the company -- and it falls on the shoulders of the human resources department to find and hire these people. Human resource managers are also responsible for compensation and benefits practices, which must be aligned with a company's position in the community and their attitudes toward social issues.

A recent development in the workforce in America has been the recognition of the importance of teamwork, and along with that, the increasing multicultural nature of the workforce. More and more women are in the workforce, and the new gender mix in the workplace is about 50/50 male to female. Immigration patterns around the world have also resulted in more diversity, which means that employees will have a more diverse range of values and lifestyles. Human resource managers must help their companies become more sensitive to the issues of sexism, religion, sexual orientation, marital and family status, age, and other life experiences.

The economic position of most companies has shifted drastically in the past decade. One of the strongest forces influencing the way we do business is the phenomenon of globalization, a process in which companies in countries around the world are increasingly linked. A difficult challenge for humane resource managers is developing a system that works in their home countries as well as abroad, where circumstances of life and expectations of employees are often vastly different. The human resources manager must understand thoroughly not only the culture of employment at home but also the intricate rules and culture in all of the other places in which they have employees.