Response to
Human Resources, A Positive or A Negative?
(http://www.examiner.com/workplace-issues-in-seattle/human-resources-a-positive-or-a-negative)
The problem with human resources is that it follows a bureaucratic model that simply follows rules and procedures. There is nothing wrong with that, and given the importance of complying with employment law and legal standards it is the only way HR can be. The people who work in HR must share these values – respect for authority, little tolerance for ambiguity, a need for high levels of structure, and a dedication to maintain the status quo.
The core problem is that HR is focused on procedure, while just about everyone else is focused on concrete results. HR does not care about actually hiring someone; they care about following the proper hiring procedures. Of course, in order to do this the people in HR must have an unwavering faith that following procedures result in superior outcome. The fact that 10% of employee referrals get hired while only about 1% of those who follow the traditional HR approach do does not faze them. They still think they are doing something efficient and worthwhile.
The way we find jobs and carry out business is changing dramatically, but HR will not likely be part of those changes. HR will have changes forced upon them rather than have a hand in designing their future role. It looks like the future workforce will be made up of far more contingent workers, and that HR will be an outsourced function based on the model of present temp agencies. Successful jobseekers will be more like contract workers or consultants who negotiate directly with the people who have a need to fill and HR will do the paperwork after a business arrangement has been made. Recruitment will largely be out of human resource hands, discipline will be relevant only for workers on the lowest rung of the organizational ladder, and benefits will be managed by employees themselves.
Bookmark this on Delicious