Personalist philosophy: a human resource

Warren, RC (2002) Personalist philosophy: a human resource. Appraisal, 4 (2). pp. 85-93. ISSN 1358-3336

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Abstract

The philosophy of personalism provides useful moral concepts against which the practices of human resources management (HRM) and employment sub-contracting can be judged and the degree of moral progress or regression evaluated. Three concepts of the person which underpin human resources management are identified: individualistic, collectivist and personalist. Contemporary HRM tends towards the individualistic conception of the person; many of its critics are informed by a collectivist perspective; and the personalist view has been largely ignored in today’s discourse. Recent survey evidence shows that many elements of HRM practice are welcomed by employees but that some practices are having a detrimental impact on character and community. It is argued that a personalist approach to HRM could create resourceful organizations.