Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 6:

Human resource management has stood as a major disc-ussion topic in the business community in this rapidly globalising world. Improving competitiveness of enterprises has now taken a central place. Business capabilities enhancement and inter organisational relations have become important factors for sustainable growth of any institution.

To address the issues and disseminate information on the changing trend of human resource environment and its implications and challenges being faced by Nepali community, a seminar on ‘Human resource for Improving Enterprise Competitiveness’ was organised in the capital today by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) with support from International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar Binod Bahadur Shrestha, president

of FNCCI said that the rate of growth of the national economy and the level of development is directly affected by the quality of human resources. For yielding products from natural resources, proper deployment of human resources is needed, he said.

“A new approach covering a broader perspective and areas of human resources is required in the present scenario. The new HR approach should replace the traditional concept of Human Resource Management (HRM) — confined to employees record and should focus on aspects of management for growth and enhancing competitiveness. The new concept should also embrace all areas required to manage labour force effectively,” said Shrestha.

HRM should be closely integrated with the organisational development strategy to face the stiff competition in the present scenario, Shrestha added.

Leyla Tegmo Reddy, director, ILO office, Nepal, said that HR management plays a vital role for survival and growth of any enterprise. Inadequate supply of skilled and trained manpower is one of the factors about which enterprises always have to be cautious, she said.

“Enterprises should ensure that employees understand what results are required.

Performance management systems should be in place which facilitate a constructive two-way dialogue and understanding,” Leyla said.

ILO conventions and recommendations like no-use of child labour, environmental-friendly production technology, safety and health of workers, non-discrimination and freedom of association are also equally important which can directly and indirectly contribute to improve competitiveness of an enterprise. “Political instability, insurgency, foreign migration of workers particularly concerned with skilled youth and a low demand of product and services are some of the key factors that can influence the whole human resource environment in the country which in turn can negatively affect enterprise competitiveness,” Leyla said.

HR is the most important asset for all organisations. The best utilisation and development of available human resources through necessary education and training is the key to organisational success and economic prosperity, said Rabindra Shrestha, ex-officio vice-president and chairman of employers’ council, FNCCI.