Primary Functions of HRD

The primary HRD functions are:

(1) Training and development

(2) Organization development

(3) Career development.

Training and Development (T&D)

Training and development functions are the activities focusing on improving individuals' knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Through attitude change, training provides employees with the knowledge and skills needed to do a particular task or job. Developmental activities focus on preparing employees for future work responsibilities. T&D activities begin with induction training and employee orientation, and skills training. Employee orientation provides employees with an awareness of critical organizational values and norms, working relationships, and role clarity. The induction program includes technical training programs to teach the new employee a particular skill.

Organisation Development

Organization development (OD) improves the efficiency of organizational competencies and the welfare of employees through planned interventions using behavioural science concepts.

OD focuses on macro and micro-level organizational changes; macro changes focus on improving the organization's effectiveness, whereas the micro-changes focus on the efficiency of individuals, small groups, and teams. The role of the HRD professionals in an OD intervention is to function as a change agent.

Career Development

Career development is "an ongoing process by which individuals progress through a series of stages, each characterized by a relatively unique set of issues, themes, and tasks." Career development includes two processes: career planning and career management. Career planning involves activities performed by an individual to assess skills and abilities to establish a realistic career plan. Career management includes activities performed by both individuals and organizations by doing the necessary steps to achieve that career plan. T&D activities can strongly influence career development.

References:

Nadler, L., & Nadler, Z. (1989). Developing human resources. Jossey-Bass.

Swanson, R. A. (2022). Foundations of human resource development. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.