Organizations function in a setting that is subject to change.  Change is attributed to internal or external factors.  Internal changes include changes in organizational strategy, workforce changes, new equipment, and employee attitudes.  External changes include marketplace, governmental laws and regulations, technology, labor markets, and economic changes.

Organizational Change

Changes in the internal and external environment present opportunities that influence the activities of the company either negatively or positively. Therefore, organizations need to identify these opportunities or threats and direct the operations of the company in the right direction.

Internal and external changes affect the organization as a whole.  It is the organization’s responsibility to provide its workforce the necessary knowledge and skills that will take advantage of the opportunities and steer clear of the threats. A well-informed, well-trained  workforce leads to the efficiency in the operations of the organization and is able to focus the activities of the organization towards achieving its objectives.

Human Resource Development

The human resource development (HRD) department is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the organization has the right skills and knowledge in its workforce. HRD is a practice that combines training, organizational development, and career development efforts to encourage improvement of individual, group, and organizational performance.  Its purpose is to enhance employee performance and productivity, which leads to employee and customer satisfaction and an increase in the profitability of the organization.

Summary

The capabilities of the workforce directly impact the organization as they give the organization competitive edge. Due to internal and external changes, the organization must adapt to these changes to avoid revenue loss. To adapt to these changes, the HRD department conducts training with the goal of improving on the capabilities of the organization’s employees. This training is referred to as the HRD. The goal of HRD is to improve the skills and knowledge of the employees towards achieving the objectives of the organization.

By Shirley J. Caruso, M.A., Human Resource Development