HUMAN RESOURCE CHALLENGES IN RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF RESOURCE LIMITED SETTINGS

By Mrs Margaret Mayiga and Catherine Tugaineyo

Association of Research Administrators in Africa (ARAA)

Annual MeetingKampala, Uganda 2010

Human Resource Management (HRM)

Human Resource Management (HRM) is a strategic and coherent approach of managing the most important asset in an organization, the human resources.

It’s a function within an organization that focuses on;recruitment and retain of, management of, and providing direction for the people who work in

the organization.

HRM Cont’dHuman resources are an organization's greatest assets

because without them, everyday research functions such as;

managing clients flow, making daily protocol decisions, communicating through all forms of media, and dealing with clients and stake holders could not be

accomplished.

Human resources and the potential they possess are key drivers for an organization’s success. With globalization and technological advances, today's organizations are continuously changing.

Thus, organizational change impacts not only the Research output but also its employees.

HRM Cont’dIn order to maximize organizational

effectiveness,

human potentials, individuals' capabilities, time, and talents must be

managed and developed. Hence,

The practice of human resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) works to ensure that

employees are able to meet the organization's goals

HRM FUNCTIONSGlobally, the term HRM and HRD has been used by scholars,

researchers, academics and practitioners. HRD evolved from HRM

In the research world the term admin and HR have been confused

HoweverConfusion arises on the terms or labels for HRM and HRD

and its position in management function. The term for HRM has been understood as the only word to

represent and explain the management and development of human resources from the point of; Recruitment to compensation and rewards Through to Career management and development to the point of

retirement.

HRM Functions cont’dHenceIt is pertinent to examine the terms that evolve-

around the management and development of human resources in organizations.

ThereforeIn order to achieve this objective, it is important

to examine the difference in terms for HRM and HRD, the history or starting point for HRM and HRD, their relationships and the up-coming terms used to refer human resource management and development.

Goals of HRM

Effectively make use

of the talents and abilities of employees to achieve

the operational objectives

Seeks to ensure that

the individual employee is

satisfied with both the working

environment and the

compensation and benefits

that he or she receives

Employer Employee

Human Resource management in ResearchCompetitive advantages for Research

management focus

Recent past Quality Data output and technology

Emerging research management

Focus

Focus

Investment in human capital

Knowledge and commitment and

Enthusiasm of employees

Shift in Research focus

From To

This shift poses challenges in research management capacities

Physical Assets

Knowledge and Information

i.e. Intellectual capital.

Challenges1. Ability to effectively manage a diverse body

of talent that can bring innovative ideas, perspectives and views to their work.

With the mixture of talents of diverse cultural backgrounds , gender, ages and lifestyles , the Organization can benefit more from research skills rapidly which must be one of the Organizational goals to be attained and support of diversity broadly, will prevent losing talent to competitors.

Strategy # 1Initiating diversity mentoring programs. Engage consultants to;

Encourage members to move beyond their cultural frame of reference

Recognize and take full advantage of the productivity potential inherent in a diverse population

Challenges cont

2. We still hold to some old systems of leading and managing human resources exclusively for research output which do not work in today’s context.

Leaders with limited management skills and

inadequate mentorship Focusing on physical assets instead of intellectual

capital

‘The Responsibilities and objectives of Human Resource Management’, Richmond Anyidoho,June 18,2010.

Strategy # 2A more appropriate mode of leadership linked to

reforming management systems and committed to moving beyond planning to implementation , is essential to the solution .

Planning

Implementation

EffectiveLeadershi

p

Challenges cont’d3. HR management policies and practices are

often not in professional hands. This includes all line managers

Strategy # 3Train line managers in current

leadership/managementskills that focus on intellectual capital

Challenges cont’d4. There is lack of support to advocate for

funding of HR solutions to go hand in hand with funding for Research Programs .

Some donors limit funding to certain aspects of research

E.g. millions of dollars have been availed to ensure availability of AIDS and tuberculosis drugs but limited funding has been committed to ensure that there a sustainable workforce to administer these drugs

Strategy # 4

Advocate funding for HR solutions

Sensitizing donors about the importance of Human resource solutions

Involvement of HR managers in budget development

Challenges cont’dAnother challenge is the unrealistic time

frame.- HR solutions require time (at least three to five

years ) to produce results .

Change takes time

Conclusion The complex conditions under which we work

to address the HR crisis demand a new style of leadership that;Encourages innovation and Team work and A more professional approach to HR

management .

At all levels of the Organization we need committed leaders and qualified HR managers to translate organization strategies and HR reforms into solutions on the ground.

Some References:Human Resources for health

http://www.human-resources-health.com/home

Abstract :The key to improved results in health ,

Mary l O’Neil Human resources for Health 2008 Richmond Anyidoho, June 18,2010.’The

Responsibilities and objectives of Human Resource Management.’

Any Questions ????????

Thank you