Cultural Competence for Public Managers

Chapter 15

The Human Resource Office: The Last Resort

15.1 Introduction

Every manager should have a textbook on human resource management (HRM) or personnel management. The topics covered in the books may seem aimed at employees who work in human resource (HR) offices. In reality, they are also good management techniques that give managers powerful tools.

HR employees are well steeped in the policies and practices of an organization; however, they may be less well versed in the programs and the requirements of managing those programs. When asked to help, it is likely that their approach will stem from the HR policies and not from the requirements of program management. Consequently, a manager who understands HRM is well prepared to have ...