A Study of HRD Concepts, Structure of HRD Departments, and HRD Practices in India

A number of human resources development frameworks has come into existence in the last ten years from various parts of the world. Indian organizations have begun to use these for improving their HRD systems and their impact. An Integrated HRD Systems Approach was evolved for Indian organizations at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad by Udai Pareek and T V Rao for L&T. This paper examines the current status of structuring of the HRD function and HRD subsystems in India against this “Integrated HRD Systems” framework. The paper also comments on the recent approaches to HRD. Data from HRD audits of 12 Indian organizations indicated that HRD function is not well structured, is inadequately differentiated, poorly staffed, and fails to meet the requirements of this framework. In the light of these experiences of Indian organizations in implementing this framework, the paper points out the prerequisites for success of other HRD frameworks in India.