The Emergence of HR

The other day I was talking to an IT guy with over 10 years of experience in the sector.When the discussion went to the topic of HR managers and the role that these guys play in the company....he had only one statement to say...These people are there becoz the company have extra bucks to afford this overhead!! With my habitual policy of defending the HR personnel (with an assumed responsibility of being the representative of the HR community) It disturbed me greatly.Though the discussion had to be wrapped for petty reasons ....it created turbulence in my otherwise calm mind! Hence the reason of writing this blog!!
Looking at the facts.... it has dawned upon me that the responsibilities and the functions that the HR guys discharge are overlooked so facilely. The value of certain things can be realized only after flashing a light upon the history of its emergence!Many of us are not aware that with the Industrialization that happened in India during the first world war (1914-1919), the capitalists class who were more concerned about earning big bucks always had a deaf ear and a blind eye towards the labourers. This resulted in the exploitation of the already afflicted class.To avoid this exploitation, the Government introduced many labour legislation after independence.This led to the establishment of the labour dept which was responsible for formulating and implementing various schemes and policies for the welfare of this class.Hence this Era is known as the "personnel management" era.
However this during the 60's and 70's such favourable conditions led to the formation and growth of trade unions which was phenomenal.They had a powerful weapon called strike which was like a boon bestowed upon them legally. Strikes resulted in under utilization of man and machinery and huge wastage of "man-hours". This has resulted in the lockouts of many leading industries.In such situations the prime focus of the personnel department was "negotiations" This era is called as an "industrial relations" era. Have we ever wondered that why do we not often get to hear the news of stikes ,gheraos and bands which so very frequently prevailed in the past.All thanks to the HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. The brainstorming sessions amongst the eminent industrialists and management experts led to the conclusion that "If management treats the workers well,understands their problems and difficulties and further motivates them to perform better,the workers would no longer go to the union".Thus the HR department was established in the companies which had its own duties to perform. Thus whatever peaceful industrial relations we see these days..it is all due to the independent and efficacious HR department.... :).I know the entire article reflected the scenario of a manufacturing sector However the IT and other services also needs an efficient HR department.Why and How......that is what i intend to write in the next blog.