18.6 Human resource development

Human resource development (HRD) is a fast-growing area of consulting in personnel and human resource management. There are consultants who specialize in this area, while many firms have established important HRD divisions and train most of their staff members in various aspects and technologies of HRD. As clients have become better informed about HRD, and hence more cautious, competent and demanding in selecting HRD programmes and consultants, the “charlatans” who previously viewed HRD as a source of easy income have become known for what they are.

The main purpose of HRD is to help people in organizations to face the challenges created by technological and other changes, to adapt to new requirements, to develop skills, and to achieve the levels of performance needed to stay competitive. A true HRD professional does not promise spectacular changes in attitudes and competence as a result of a few workshop sessions. The HRD specialist makes the client aware of the complexity of the human side of the enterprise, and of the need to consider all factors affecting motivation, behaviour, interpersonal relations and performance of people in organizations. It is important to warn the client against inconsistencies in personnel and HRD