Training Blog

This is a hotly debated subject some experts argue that there is no difference between the two terms and that they can be used interchangeably. Those who argue that there is a difference claim that that personnel is more administrative (dealing with payroll etc.) whereas Human Resource is responsible for managing the workforce (recruitment, conflict resolution etc.). It is argued that Personnel are reactive providing a response to demands as they are present themselves on the other hand HR is proactive because it involves the development of functions and policies for the purposes of improving the workforce.

Most people argue that those who claim that there is a difference fail to explain the differences in day to day roles of both titles. Those that say that there is a difference claim that it is a subtle philosophical one, Sultan Chand claimed that Personnel are motivated by compensation, rewards and job simplification. HR considers work groups, challenges and creativity on the job as motivational factors. In Personnel (which is also called personnel management) improved satisfaction is deemed to be the cause for improved performance but in HR it is the other way round; performance is the cause and satisfaction is the result.

So in conclusion there are a few subtle differences although some businesses do use the terms interchangeably, without detrimental effects to their business therefore one can assume that the differences described above are not significant enough to have any real effect.