Human potential management: time to move beyond the concept of human resource management?

Abstract

Presents the concept of human potential management (HPM) and argues that the old concept of human resource management (HRM) should be replaced by HPM. Argues that treating human beings as a resource to be used, utilized or manipulated like any other resource is demeaning. Further, with the increasing number of highly skilled knowledge workers, resentment of the word “resource” is likely to increase, since knowledge workers are inclined to be hostile to manipulation. They would prefer the organization to enable them to fulfil their true potential and, in so doing, help the organization to achieve its objectives. Also presents a definition of HPM and highlights the features which differentiate it from HRM.