Human resource management in the security sector

It is widely acknowledged that people are the greatest asset of any organisation. This chapter examines how this critical asset can be better managed within the defence and security sectors. The chapter reviews the evolution of Human Resource Management (HRM) and reflects upon the centrality of this function to the attainment of organisational effectiveness. Attention is given to the employment relationship, and the importance of nurturing employee engagement to ensure organisational success. It is argued that changes in situational context and operational requirements will have a direct bearing on the nature of the contract (legal and psychological) between employee and employer. An important question in post-conflict and developing states is whether there is a single, identifiable way of managing human resources which is universally appropriate or an alternative contingent approach more suited to local situational context.