I am interested in human resource development as a career. How is HRD different from human resource management (HRM)?
Human resource management (HRM) is an umbrella term that covers a multitude of important functions carried out in businesses, governmental agencies, and not-for profit organizations, such as professional associations. These functions typically include recruitment, selection and placement, orientation, compensation and benefits, labor-management relations, performance appraisal, compliance audits, and training and development (HRD). The purpose of any HRD unit within an organization is to leverage learning to improve capacity and performance in individuals, groups or teams. HRD is like a three-legged stool – training and development, career development and organization development – and loss of one of the legs may result in an unstable outcome! Some larger businesses may have separate HRD units with lines of authority and responsibility bypassing HRM. In these instances, you are likely to see Chief Learning Officers (CLO) reporting directly to senior vice president.
