Fundamentals of Human Resources Management, Fourth Edition

1The Human Resources Function: An Overview

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Outline the history of personnel/human resources.

• Identify the qualities recommended for today’s successful HR practitioner.

• Prepare to address various human resources challenges.

• Determine when to establish a human resources function.

• Differentiate between the HR function in small and mid-sized versus large organizations.

• Distinguish between the respective responsibilities of HR specialists and non-HR practitioners.

Several years ago, I was introduced to Jake, a financial executive with a major oil company. When he asked ...