In the ever-evolving landscape of businesses, human resources (HR) remains at the core, proving its centrality and indispensability despite the march of modernity. As industries transition from the early phases to the impending industry 5.0 era, the pertinent question is not whether HR needs to change, but rather the extent of change required and the new dimensions it must embrace.
One unanimous dimension for change, supported by both academicians and managers, is the imperative to align HR management education with the emerging needs of industries. A focal point in this alignment is the need to equip students with technological skills relevant to HR management and empower them to implement such technologies effectively. Key technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), analytics-driven HR decision-making, Chatbot-based employee interfaces, Blockchain-based HR applications, and the Internet of Things (IoT), have emerged as transformative elements in the HRM landscape.
The advantages derived from the application of these technologies in HRM are immense, ranging from enhanced productivity to increased efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently, HRM students must undergo training in the usage, application, and management of these technologies. It is crucial to sensitise them to the idea that technology acts as a catalyst to augment human resources and contribute to overall organisational success. As a result, management institutions may consider adopting HR technology-oriented programmes, integrating asynchronous teaching methods to overcome the limitations of traditional classroom settings.
To address the gap between academic curricula and industry requirements, HRM students should also receive training in behavioural competencies tailored to managing the consequences of technology implementation. In the realm of industry 5.0, the HR function must harness the benefits offered by technology, such as economies of scale and scope. Developing appropriate behavioural competencies will play a pivotal role in aligning HR education with the practical demands of the evolving professional landscape.