DEPARTMENT OF Commerce

Strategic Human Resource Management and Non Governmental Organizations: A Study Based on Operational NGOs in Kerala

Submitted by:

Ms. Anu P. Mathew

Assistant Professor in Commerce

Deva Matha College

(M) 9961933889

Email: priya30m@gmail.com

Total Outlay: Rs.90,000

M.R.P. (H) – 1251/13-14/KLMG023/UGC-SWRO

Executive Summary:

A Non Governmental Organization or NGO, being a non profit task oriented association driven by people with common interest perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocates and monitors policies and encourages upliftment of the weaker fragments of the society and ensures development of the less reached. As development actors, NGOs have become the main service providers in countries where Government is unable to fulfill its traditional roles. In the educational terrain, many NGOs have moved beyond ‘gap- filling’ initiatives into capacity building initiatives. On one side, demand for their services is rising, owing to the slow pace of poverty reduction and a backlog of social deprivation. On the other, the NGOs face tough internal challenges, from weak leadership to organizational irrelevance, from inadequate funding to an inability to market themselves to their target audience. It is at this juncture the role of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) holds significance. SHRM refers to the management of human resources of an organization in accordance with the intentions of the organization focusing on the future direction it wants to take.

The research study undertaken was intended to explore the prevalence of Strategic Human Resource Management in the context of operational NGOs in Kerala to learn how competent human resources in NGOs are and how are they managed effectively for the comprehensive development of the NGOs. The research study was exploratory in nature. Both primary and secondary data were made use of in carrying out the research work. A Structured Interview Schedule was designed and administered to elicit responses from respondents. Discussions were held with HR Managers to gather information on their perspectives.

The study has helped to understand the prevalence and relevance of SHRM practices in the NGOs in the State of Kerala. Though the employees are not much aware of the terms associated with SHRM, it was worthwhile to find out that SHRM practices are being followed in the NGOs in varied forms, out of which the employees are being benefitted of. Moreover it’s a promising indication that organizations are paying interest to train and develop employees to enhance their productivity and performance which can eventually be utilized for the betterment of the parent organizations themselves. Employees on the other hand are found to be dedicated to the jobs they are assigned and loyal to the organizations they are part of. It was observed that they are not reluctant to changes meant for better organizational performance and are willing to contribute their share of it.

The study also resulted in motivating the employees to excel in their workplaces as well as to positively inspiring them to set goals and strive for them. It has also impacted the way employers and HR Managers take up the HR Development and engagement initiatives. They were also left with new information and additional knowledge and they appreciated the learning process.