Naturally. Managing human assets is the single most important activity which any manager undertakes. Developments in the warm and human treatment of other human beings are starting to be in evidence in large organisations. However, the term 'human resources' (HR) has become somewhat passé.
Having already used up 'people' in the past, we must also own up to the fact that the word 'personnel' has become marginalised. In fact it is well known that the 'P' word is really an administrative pigeon hole for practitioners who want to work in the 'human dimension' of work but who are more suited by personality to the legal or financial professions.
It is time to turn over a new stone in the search for enlightenment and stimulation of the beings who are fed and watered by corporations, large and small. Firstly, we must challenge the word Resources: people aren't simply resources like coal or money. People are Assets. The human dimension must move on and keep apace with these dramatically changing times. We will throw out the old (call me ageist if you must) for a move to Human Asset Management (HAM); Human Asset Relations Departments (HARD); Strategic Human Asset Management (SHAM). Human Asset Growth (HAG) will enable the shaping and sizing of the human dimentia of all organisations. Give us HA Departments instead of the old HR.
HA policies are a more than adequate proof of developing corporate care and concern. 'People valuing' statements and procedures are virtually endemic in large organisations in both the public, private and quango sectors. Show me an organisation which doesn't have a statement along the lines of 'people are our most valuable asset' and I'll show you a corporation which places ignorance above hypocrisy.
Whatever happens it is up to HA professionals to support and comply with the efficiency ethic which our top managers are striving for as they plunge personfully onwards. Properly directed and stimulated HAs build the future. No HAs means no future. The future is Human Asset Management.
Next time we'll think in depth about leadership, the new word for management. If you are a fan of 2001 - A Space Odyssey just think about what HAL could mean to the people who work for us - a future focus of support for human initiatives and transition.
Julian Dangleberry is a Human Asset specialist working in red braces and a sharp suit. He is 24 and lives in the Barbican.
Contributed by 'MacDoodle'