Creating Value Through People: Best Human Resource (HR) Practices in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explores the strategic role of the human resources of an organization. The HR function focuses on building the human capital that drives the organizational activities to success. The in-depth analysis of the relevant literature shows that the workforce that is properly and continuously trained and developed through effective capacity building leverages the organization to achieve a competitive advantage and the bottom line. The human resource management function, essentially concerned with all matters related to employment relationships in the organization – that is, attracting, developing, motivating and maintaining a vibrant workforce – must be handled dutifully in strategic partnership with the HR professional. The paper recommends the HR strategies and practices that mangers can adopt to drive optimum value from employees, and these range from proper selection of the right people through employee empowerment, capacity building, employee motivation to improved organizational rewards. Key words: Human resources; Human resources management; Competitive advantage; Capacity building; Training and development; Distinctive competencies