In this assignment I intend to outline the development of Personnel Management (PM) and Human Resource Management (HRM). Briefly describe their development and the role they play in the workplace today. I will then discuss the role that HRM plays in changing management's approaches to employment, before finally speculating on the future direction of HRM. PM can be traced back to the late 18th century and the Industrial Revolution in England. However, for the purposes of this assignment, my analysis will begin much later, after World War II (WWII). World War II created a massive demand for manpower and in particular for personal specialists. It was at the end of 1946 that these specialists created the Institute for Personnel Management (IPM). In the 1960s, labor laws were passed to create growth in the personnel function, which meant the PM had to evolve. In the 1970s further laws promoting sexual equality and workplace standards were passed which encouraged further development and at this stage the PM's role was as a mediator between management and employees. The PM had a very low power base within business and was often referred to as the "rubbish bin" as any unwanted work an organization had to undertake was dumped on the PM. For example, the Prime Minister might explain management decisions to angry employees or fight management positions in disputes with workers' unions. This meant that much of the work done by the Prime Minister was reactive, they were also mainly left to work with the soft S's: staff and support and most of their work was done in the short term. The PM has never been fully identified with management, demonstrating his lack of importance and respect towards and towards the business respectively. The 1980s and 1990s saw radical... middle of paper......anizations to meet changing market demands. global business market with ease. Embracing their new relationship with employees has allowed them to reap the rewards of a happier and more productive workforce. If HRM can maintain its current position, it will be able to go from strength to strength as developments in technology and communication proceed unabated. HRM will be able to continue to evolve and improve. Human resource management is now an integral part of an organisation's arsenal, with a good human resource management department businesses should be able to grow and succeed by tackling all the issues involved in running a business in their stride . Bibliography Bratton j, Gold j (2003) Human Resource Management Theory and Practice 3rd edition, Palgrave McMillan.Gross r (1996) Psychology, the science of mind and behavior 3rd edition, Hodder & Stoughtonwww.wikipedia.org/wiki/human_resource_management