Does HR add value? : diverse perspectives on human capital management

Abstract

The human resources (HR) function has evolved significantly over the past several decades. It has grown in maturity and influence while simultaneously enduring great criticism from employees and managers. Meanwhile, environmental pressures have forced business leaders and academics to call for the elevation of HR to a level of strategic primacy. This thesis examines the relationship between organizational human capital and the professional HR function, looking at the history and current state of HR, perceptions of HR's efficacy, trends in innovative organizational design and leadership, and the future of human capital management. I explore these issues in the academic and popular literature, survey managers and experts in the field, and present an intra-industry study across several biotechnology firms.