Human Resource Management picking up steam

Published August 30, 2003

LAHORE, Aug 29: The Human Resource Management is fast gaining ground in the domain of organizational structure and enterprise development in the country.

“The idea (of developing human minds) will be far more challenging in the days to come,” according to speakers at a two-day interactive course on the role of HRM and its significance in enterprise development, which concluded here on Friday. The training programme had been organized by the LCCI and Smeda.

Amjad Habib Mirza, a leading management and business consultant, averred during his talk that the purpose of managing humans (in any organization) was to enhance productivity in the technologically advanced world. “The study of human behaviour and psyche is essential for today’s entrepreneurs to achieve results.”

He said the life of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was the finest model for a human resource manager wishing to learn the concept of human welfare. “This is the crux of any business in the world.”

“Take care of people, and the business will take care of itself,” said Mr Mirza, who stressed that this was the bottom line of any trade.

To achieve the desired results, he said, the system of accountability should be properly implemented at workplace.

The developing countries, like Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, had made their mark on the development front by recognizing the value of emotional well-being of people. The technologically sound Japan, which is the second largest economy in the world, spent a significant percentage of payroll on human resources, he added.

However, he pointed out that Pakistan needed a great deal of commitment to compete on this front, as it suffered from shortcomings at the grassroots level in the form of a gulf between the laid-down policies and their practical utility. “Unfortunately, we lack a conducive environment for professional grooming,” he said, observing that a positive attitude could change the entire complexion of the national scene.

National Institute and Public Administration (Research and Consultancy) Director Nawazul Haq also highlighted the value of developing human resources as a tool for growth. He portrayed an insightful picture of the process of recruitment, training and development and human resource policies.

He stressed that organizations should clearly define recruitment policies, select the individuals through talent inventories and properly orientate them in the relevant discipline. The multinationals, according to Mr Haq, had a comparatively better standing because of their clear vision in this regard.

LCCI Research and Development Director Dr Nisar Ahmad reflected on the state of intellectual apathy and consequent paucity of productivity. The Total Quality Management, a concept introduced by Japan, was meant to enhance productivity and dividends.

Management in all its varieties should be given due weightage here to face the present-day challenges, concluded

Dr Nisar.

The participants, representing a wide range of professions, shared their on-job experiences and resolved to be better human resource managers for a better tomorrow.— Salman Khan