Human Resources Management Theories, Policies and Practices: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Human resources management is one of the fundamental constructs in management research and numerous theories have been propounded to explain the phenomenon. This study investigated the effect of these theories on Human resources management policies and practices and how they could be applied to further enhance the effective management of HR. The research reviewed nine (9) Human resources management theories and existing literature in relation to how these theories shape HR management practices along with the various results that have been recorded across different contexts. It was concluded that no single theory is considered the best as they all have varying strengths and weaknesses. The study also revealed that various contexts would require unique HR management practices. It is also recommended that HR practitioners, managers, business owners and policy makers should have an extensive understanding of these theories so as to know the most effective and efficient way to respond to situations that may evolve in the day-to-day practice of HR management.