Understanding HR: The Backbone of Success

By Hezron Okioma

There’s one question that keeps popping up in many of my conversations with colleagues from other divisions within the Hospital. Just what do we do at HR? How important is it? Do we need it? And why do almost all organizations have a Human Resource Department”

My answer to them is very simple - Human Resource is the backbone of any successful organization. This article will therefore explain, in detail, why I believe so.

Initially, Human Resource Management (HRM) was referred to as Personnel Management. Its scope was limited and had an inverted approach.

It treated employees as tools and its work was routine. Its communication with employees was indirect. The resolution of labour disputes was done in an adversarial manner. Management actions were procedural, characterized by slow decision-making with a focus on gathering employee applications and interviewing and a touch of training and innovation was unheard of.

Today, HRM focuses on effectively utilizing employees to ultimately achieve the organization’s goals. Employees, here, are treated as assets. Their functions are strategically assigned and performed. Placement is carefully made. Technology and change are taken seriously at all times. The management role is geared toward bringing about transformation. They are eager to learn and develop and to add to whatever they already know thus making training intentional.

Labour disputes are treated on a personal level and communication or sharing of information is done directly to the affected employee. Disputes are amicably resolved between employer and employee or between employees or between employer and the employee’s representative commonly known as the Union.

Actions taken by management are done on a need basis. These include recruitment, training, transfers, appraisals, reward, and recognition. Decisions are made fast by employing data processed through applications like Integrated Human Resource Management Systems (IHRMS), In HRM, employees are treated with a lot of value.

Human Resource Management recognizes line managers in every other department within their organization. They train them on both HR and Organization policies and they are directly involved in developing these policies. They are also supported in the implementation of these policies. They are essentially part of the human resource team.

Some of the few companies which have embraced the position of HRM include Google; ranked as the best company to work for in the world. It invests in happier employees. Cadbury; on the

Hezron Okioma is a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP). He works at the Human Resource Division’s Training & Talent Department