Changing Role Of H.R, Mgmt

Changing Role of Human Resource Management University of Phoenix MGT 431: Human Resource Management Group: WH06BSM03B Edward Vicuna March 1, 2007

The Human Resource Management [HRM] function has undergone tremendous change over the past 25 years. Organizations looked to the "Personnel Department," mostly to manage the paperwork around hiring people. Human Resource Management has become a strategic function in the success of contemporary organizations. A primary function of workforce management is to develop internal talent while reaching out for new skills (Creelman, 2005). Current market trends, politics, technology, skill level, and future growth potential are internal and external factors H.R. addresses in creating an adaptive and flexible workforce while improving and maintaining human capital. This paper will describe the changing role of Human Resource (HR) management in response to trends in globalization, technology, diversity, e-business, and ethics.

Diversity Management is a recent term used to address the growing need to incorporate diverse representation in today's workforce. Corporations and business professions seek diversity as a goal. They recognize both the need and the benefit. of multiplicity in a successful organization. A more diverse organization more closely reflects its marketplace and public in its decisions and in its services (Dorsey, 2005). David L. Dubois, former chair of the Appraisal Institute's Diversity Committee once stated that "the pursuit of diversity is to harness the strengths of our individual differences for the common good. An organization should reflect the communities we serve. Within diversity there's a fundamental belief that inclusion, respect and fair treatment contribute to increased productivity." (Dorsey, 2005)

HR deals with the moral implications of decisions on a daily basis. A Code of Ethics is advocates professional value and enhances credibility in service and performance. Implementing a code of ethics serves as a guideline for professional responsibility in the workforce. Ethics in the workplace set a standard for fairness. Business ethics also has a place in organizations that conduct business in countries that may not encourage gender diversity, workplace equality, or fair business practices. An organization has the ability to teach by example and change community behavior.

Technology is used to address the challenges faced in businesses such as delivery and internal deficiency. Technology can improve workforce skill competency while creating competition in the emerging global village. The performance of every employee contributes to the overall delivery of organization objectives; it follows that the performance of every employee should be managed. Training and development in technology and software programs is a method used to enhance human capital abilities and improve overall organizational effectiveness (James, 2006). Companies can increase their competitiveness by investing in new technology and promoting quality throughout the organization. Effective management of human resources can form the foundation of a high-performance work system. An organization in which technology, organizational