HRM Theories and Approaches
HR is not just a set of practices—it’s a field built on rich theoretical foundations. Understanding them helps you apply HR more strategically and effectively.
What we call “HR” today is the result of more than a century of evolving thought, management science, and social change. To truly understand modern Human Resource Management, we need to go beyond tools and techniques—and explore the ideas and frameworks that underpin them.
This section introduces the major theories and approaches that have influenced how we recruit, manage, motivate, and develop people in organizations. From early views of labor and productivity to strategic and agile paradigms, these models provide essential context for making HR decisions that are both informed and impactful.
You’ll find both classic and contemporary perspectives here, including critical debates that shape HR’s identity as a field. Whether you’re a seasoned HR leader or a founder building your first people strategy, these pages will give you a clearer lens through which to view the practice of HR.