IPM debate on challenges faced by HR today

Lalith Wijetunge

The Institute of Personnel Management (IPM) Sri Lanka has organized a National HR Debate to discuss issues affecting the HR profession today.

Commenting on the objectives of the Debate, President IPM Lalith Wijetunge said, "In a highly competitive world, people tend to be less tolerant towards other people's views and this appears to be particularly so in employing organisations, both in the state and private sectors.

As a result, industrial action seems to take precedence over negotiated settlements. We, therefore, thought it appropriate to organize a debate in HR where free expression of views is supreme".

He said "Recently, The World Federation of Personnel Management Associations (WFPMA) of which IPM Sri Lanka is an active member, conducted a survey to find out the foremost issue faced by HR today.

Forty seven per cent of the survey participants identified 'Change Management' as the number one issue.

In the light of the current financial crisis, we need to seriously concentrate on measuring HR effectiveness in terms of driving the business.

We need to debate whether HR has been able to transform itself from purely an administrative function to a true strategic partner within the organization."

Outlining the modalities of the Debate, Wijetunge said "Any organisation that has a dedicated HR/Staff Unit can nominate one or more teams for the Debate. Each team will have four speakers out of whom a minimum of two will be from HR and one from the Line. Topics have been carefully picked to cover a number of contemporary issues which will be of immense benefit to all participants. Applications close on March 2.

All details are posted on the website www.ipmlk.org. Judging by the number of inquiries we receive, I am happy to state that the Great HR Debate has created a lot of interest among People Managers.

A number of leading organisations have already confirmed their participation. I am confident that the deliberations at the debate will enable us to take HR to the next level", he said.