Human resource management (HRM) can be described as a function within a company that is concerned with recruiting, managing and providing guidance for people who work in the company. Human resource management is an organizational activity that deals with employee-related issues such as hiring, compensation, welfare, safety, employee motivation, benefits, administration, communication and training (Heathfield). HRM is also a comprehensive and strategic approach used in managing people, the environment and workplace culture. When human resource management is effective, employees are able to contribute effectively and be productive to the overall direction of the organization and the achievement of the organization's goals and objectives. Currently, human resource management has moved away from traditional transactional roles of personnel and administration which are increasingly outsourced. An organization expects HRM to add value through the strategic and effective use of workers and that people programs impact the business in ways that can be measured. Role of HRMThe modern role of HRM is about HRM metrics and strategic direction and measurement that demonstrates value. There was a time when all departments at Have handled all of the organization's personnel, from firing and hiring to setting salaries and administering benefits. However, the role of HR has started to diversify significantly due to the reduction of departments in organizations at all levels. According to research studies conducted by the Society for HRM, the largest professional association, the average number of employees in the human resources department dropped from 13 in 2007 to 9 in 2008 (Rendon). In the past, what was the domain of human resources departments is being outsourced thus making... half the paper... a policy, up from 14% in 2001. Work Cited: Heathfield, Susan M What is human resources management? Definition of human resources management. May 5, 2014. http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryh/f/hr_management.htmJohnson, P. HRM in changing organizational contexts. In D. G. Collings & G. Wood (Eds.), Human resource management: A critical approach (pp. 19-37). London: Routledge, (2009) Paauwe, J. and Boon, C. Strategic HRM: a critical review. In D. G. Collings & G. Wood (Eds.), Human resource management: A critical approach (pp. 38-54). London: Routledge (2009) Rendon, Jim. Ten things HR won't tell you. April 19, 2010. May 5, 2014. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303491304575188023801379324Vijayaragavan, K., & Singh, Y., P. (n.d.). Chapter 14 - Human resource management in extension. http://www.fao.org/docrep/w5830e/w5830e0g.