Human Resource Management: A Challenging Scenario in the Indian Context

Human resource management (HRM) used to be considered as other conventional administrative jobs. But over a period, it has evolved as a strategic function to improve working environment, plan out HRs’ needs, and strike a balance between the organisation and employers to increase organisational productivity and meet organisational goals. Not to exaggerate but in today's highly competitive world, it has gradually become one of the most important functions of an organisation. HR is a product of the human relations movement of the early 20th century, when researchers began documenting ways of creating business value through the strategic management of the workforce. The function was initially dominated by transactional work, such as payroll and benefits administration, but due to globalisation, company consolidation, technological advancement, and further research, HR now focuses on strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, talent management, succession planning, industrial and labour relations, and diversity and inclusion. This article considers some of the key issues and challenges in HRM in the Indian context.