Human Resource System

Human resource management operates through human resource systems that bring
together in a coherent way:

• HR philosophies describing the overarching values and guiding principles adopted in managing people.
• HR strategies defining the direction in which HRM intends to go.
• HR policies, which are the guidelines defining how these values, principles and the strategies should be applied and implemented in specific areas of HRM.
• HR processes consisting of the formal procedures and methods used to put HR strategic plans and policies into effect.
• HR practices comprising the informal approaches used in managing people.
• HR programmes, which enable HR strategies, policies and practices to be implemented according to plan.

Becker and Gerhart (1996) have classified these components into three levels: the
system architecture (guiding principles), policy alternatives and processes and practices.