The evolution of strategic human resource management -

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of human management activity up until the appearance of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM addresses new and innovative ways to manage people at work. The thesis investigates whether private sector SHRM techniques can be employed in the public sector. This study concludes that, while the transfer of SHRM techniques from private to public sector organizations is possible, the process brings with it great difficulties and constraints. For instance, the public sector is known for conflicting goals and objectives, the interference of politics in public human management, high public demands, and rigid bureaucratic management styles. For the transfer of SHRM technique to yield successful results in the public sector, managers should train public employees to be ready to accept private values and techniques, to sustain operational focus of public sector human management practices, and to provide support for change by senior management. The consideration of these recommendations may lead to the development of a SHRM framework that can be adopted in countries that seek to strengthen their public sector.