A brief history of HRM&D

Human resource management and development (HRM&D) is the practice of managing and developing people within organisations. If done strategically, it can ensure an organisation has the right people, with the right skills, at the right time. HRM&D has evolved from informal practices to a strategic and professionalised function. Its roots trace back to the late 19th century with Taylor’s Scientific Management, which focused on efficiency but neglected the human element. The Hawthorne Studies by Elton Mayo introduced the importance of social dynamics and employee satisfaction. The first personnel departments emerged in the early 20th century to address worker unrest, eventually expanding to include recruitment, training and development. Post-World War II changes, including increased workforce diversity, led to more inclusive practices. By the 1980s, HRM&D became strategic, aligning workforce planning with business goals. Professional bodies like Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) formalised the field through education and certification. Today, HRM&D is central to organisational success, especially in navigating globalisation, digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), requiring continuous upskilling and inclusive workplace cultures.