Policy Hub
A major research project on the future of HR being undertaken by the Work Foundation aims to shed light on what really works in the important relationship between employer and employee. Early emerging themes suggest that the agenda for tackling the economic downturn may also point towards the future shape of people management.
The first report, published on 19 August 2009, provides a succinct but comprehensive survey of existing evidence on managing people at work. The research indicates that there are positive associations between good people management practices and organisational performance. However, it suggests that HR’s role in contributing to people management outcomes is ambiguous, uncertain and subject to forces outside a practitioner’s control.
The report also reveals that concerns abound surrounding the capability of both the line manager and HR professionals to deliver the ‘people agenda’. The report concludes that it is crucial for effective leadership to include leadership of the values and practices that shape the organisational climate for HRM.