AN OVERVIEW OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT OR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Christian Bernard M. Vinuya

Personnel management is no longer just focused on managing the human resources in order to attain productive work. The Management of human resources had slowly evolved into the giving of emphasis on recognizing each personnel as an asset which needs to be valued in any organization to enable them to produce the best products or deliver the best services for the clientele. This is being done through the establishment of continuous career and personnel development of all levels of personnel in order to bring out the best in them. Included in the career and personnel development are provisions on merit promotions, objective performance evaluation, trainings, scholarship grants, incentive awards systems, counseling, mentoring, coaching, recreation, and even pre-retirement programs.

Tracing back history, during the pre-Spanish occupation when the barter system was still used there was no management of labor groups and workers are working to merely supply their basic needs. During the Spanish occupation, and the rise of reformist, the cruel employment conditions were addressed however only few people were learned at that time. During the American occupation, the labor conditions were somewhat improved but still it was considered to be far from fair and just. However, this is the time when unionism was introduced and people started to be more educated. But when the Japanese entered the country, all normal working conditions were ceased and inhumane working conditions took place. But by the end of World War II, industries boost up and labor unions that provided fair working conditions were promoted. This was the time when personnel departments were formally introduced which yielded to the enlightenment of many workers. But when Martial Law was introduced, massive labor problems evolved such as rebellions, graft and corruption which again hindered the normal working conditions of the employees. But right after the Marcos regime, when democracy was reinstituted, industrial harmony was as well given birth and workers were given chance to exercise their freedom.

The vital role of personnel or human resource management lies on the key functions of recruitment and selection, performance appraisals, maintaining work atmosphere, and managing disputes which are very much important for the company to produce the best products or deliver the best services to their clientele. Recruitment and selection is important because it enables the HR team to hire the right kind of people for the job intended to be filled in. On the other hand, performance appraisal is important because it encourages the employees to work according to their potentials and help them to better understand their roles which brings forth motivation on the employees. Maintaining work atmosphere is very vital because the performance of employees is mostly driven by the work atmosphere or the work culture that prevails in the workplace. The HR team must ensure to provide a safe, healthy and happy working environment for all its people. Lastly, managing disputes is also important because it minimizes problems or issues that may hinder the best performance of the members of the organization.

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The author is Personnel Section at Department of Education, Regional Office III