Where does human resource management responsibility lie

The concept of human resource management (HRM) may seem simple but its realisation is not straightforward. There is a considerable debate about its role and who has prime functional responsibility. Some would argue that human resource management should remain the domain of central professional people. Others would argue that human resource management is best vested in line management for it is they that have responsibility to utilise people to deliver the business targets.

How then does human resource management of today differ with previous personnel practises?

The biggest difference is the shift in responsibilities with more and more line managers being given the human resource management responsibility for taking care of their employees needs.

However not all line managers welcome responsibility for human resource management. Some see human resource management as unnecessary and time consuming and therefore should remain the responsibility of "personnel". In reality, the exact opposite must apply. Getting line managers to understand why human resource management practices are important and how they can be used positively usually leads to a far more happier and productive workforce.

Unfortunately, many line managers are not properly trained in the area of human resource management. Add to this the modern problems of stress-related injury, other health & safety issues, performance management, and employment legislation and industrial relations requirements, and all of a sudden you have a lot for the line manager to take into consideration and manage. Re-assessing the role and responsibilities of the modern line manager and providing them with comprehensive human resource management training courses is not just imperative but an invaluable investment.