As organizations continue to grow and change, HRM has evolved with them. As recently as a couple of decades ago, many HR Departments were still referred to as Personnel Departments, and they managed hiring, terminations and employee benefits. HRM now aspires to be a central part of the organization and, in many cases, has developed strategic relationships with other departments. HRM now includes diversity management, virtual workforce management and performance management (Vosburgh, 2007).

Through these functions, HR has the potential to make a direct contribution to the success of an organization. These may be commonplace to you, but they would have been unheard of in the 1950s. Reflect on the key trends that are occurring in HRM and consider the contribution and value added to organizations by these trends. In this Shared Activity, you will analyze current HR trends and their impact on organizations.

To prepare for this Shared Activity:

• Review the Unit Introduction and the Learning Resources.

• Research and identify two or three key HRM trends as indicated by current debates in academic journals.

To complete this Shared Activity:

• Post an entry from the perspective of a manager and address the following points:

• Explain your selected HRM trends and draw out several common themes.

Analyze one trend for how it may influence organizations, including benefits and drawbacks. Assess how the trend adds value and/or heightens the strategic involvement of HR within organizations.