What the future holds for New Zealand organisations from a human resource perspective

Abstract

Global pressure on organisations to stay competitive requires change. Stakeholders are demanding quality and cost effective products while competitors demand level playing fields and governments require efficiency fairness and equity. The multiplicity of stakeholders is questioning the traditional hierarchical structures and demarcations of activities, functions, responsibilities and effectiveness. Empirical research was done by Nel, Burchell, du Plessis & Beaver (2005) and is reported on in this article. The research sought direction from HR practitioners as to what their profile ought to be in 2010 and beyond and what organisations should do in this regard to be sensitive to all stakeholders. Some solutions are identified and presented in this article. The traditional role and responsibilities of managers and HR managers will have to change in the future. As change agents and leaders they will have to implement programmes and practices for changes to stay globally competitive.