Introduction: Why Study Human Resource Management?

To succeed in the business world, every organization has to effectively manage its resources, including human resources as well as financial, physical and technological assets. Some would even argue that people are the most important resource because without them, businesses would not exist.

Developing and maintaining positive relationships among employees, colleagues and supervisors is a crucial task for HR managers.  Managers at all levels need to participate in HRM activities that create a productive work environment. It doesn’t matter what your major is, what your career objectives are or who you ultimately end up working for— once you graduate, you will need to be able to apply HRM principles in your professional endeavors.

Learning Objectives

• Define human resource management and describe its major functions.
• Describe the major processes of HR development.
• Identify the external environmental factors affecting HRM and the role of the HR manager as a strategic partner.
• Describe types of HR Managers including executives, generalists, and specialists. 

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 1 Course Schedule.