Whither The People Management Function? An Evolutionary Global Overview of The Management Of People At Work

Abstract

This study was largely prompted by the debate on the people management function in Zimbabwe that led to the change of name of the Institute of Personnel Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) to the Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) and developments in other countries vis a vis the profession. The paper is based on both theoretical literature on the evolution of people management and empirical literature from different countries. The study showed that there is no agreement on the understanding and treatment of the people management function. This study recommends, among other things, a broader and more strategic thinking / understanding of the management of people at work department.

Key words: people management, human resource, personnel, function, IPMZ, evolution, work..