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Modernising HR: From Talking to Doing |
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Human Resource Management (HRM) is today's newest buzzword, especially so for those in the Public Service. It affects many aspects of one's professional life: hiring, promotions, contract employment, gratuity and job security itself. The scope of HRM in the 1990's is not the same as what currently exists in 2010. With this in mind the Ministry of Public Administration hosted a forum focused on modernising HRM at the Hilton Trinidad on Wednesday 24th February 2010.
There was a high turnout as HR practitioners recognised the need for the modernisation of their profession. There was a free flow of dialogue between the HR practitioners and presenters which included Mr. Anthony Watkins, C.E.O of Odyssey Consult Inc., Permanent Secretary Arlene McComie and Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh.
PS McComie's presentation highlighted the public's perception of the Public Service as it supported the need for a call to action by HR members for change. The immediate challenge to HRM would be to change public perception marked by images of poor service, impolite staff and slow response. These perceptions will change only as quickly as HR officers can work towards transformation within themselves and their respective organisations.
The Honourable Minister fielded tough questions on the difficulty of HR modernisation in an outdated system. Participants received the good news that an audit was in progress and many structures will be improved shortly. They also left with some life-changing messages from Mr. Anthony Watkins, the motivational speaker for the event; 'you need to change the way you do things to move forward and you are never given a finished product, you have to work to improve it.'
March 2, 2010 |
