What are the major issues facing the Human Resource function in Nigeria today?
I will mention a few. Evidently, there is a need for our organisations in Nigeria to see human resources as a strategic business partner. If we do not include HR at the strategic level, we miss out on the full benefits which the field can bring to achieving the goals of the organisation. At the end of the day, people are the most important asset in an organisation. It is therefore crucial that we build a people perspective in every strategic decision so that the short and long term implications of such decision are captured right from the onset.
We in the HR field also need to become much more forward thinking. Thankfully, we’ve participated and exhibited at the most recent Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Annual Conferences and one of the key issues constantly raised revolves around HR’s transition from an administrative and operational focus to one where it is identifying key people issues pertaining to major governmental and business decisions and influencing these to achieve the best outcomes for our business sector and economy at large.
I also think that HR in Nigeria needs to be seen more as a profession than it has until now. I am aware that the CIPM is currently transforming itself into a world class resource to ensure this happens but I also feel that our Universities and business organisations can do more to support and develop the field in the country so that more of our best brains will become professionals in the field. We all need to rethink our perception of HR as simply managing personnel to one that is a highly recognised professional field of expertise that has much more to contribute to our economy.
On our part, we at Peoplesource have partnered with MOL, the CIPD’s largest center in the UK to bring the CIPD’s qualifications into Nigeria. This will undoubtedly raise the bar of professionalism within the sector and can only add to the quality of HR practice in the country.