A History of Human Resources: SHRM's 60-Year Journey

Examining the development of the human resources profession in America since the 1940s, this history discusses the vital role the industry has played in shaping American labor policies and explores the impact of the Society for Human Resource Management throughout the years. Chronicling many of the industry’s most important developments, including the creation of the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Labor, the establishment of national wage and hour laws, and the passing of the Medicare Act, this fascinating account places these changes in the context of world events, discusses the important role human resources plays in American business, and considers the future of human resources over the next 60 years.

Examining the development of the human resources profession in America since the 1940s, this history discusses the vital role the industry has played in shaping American labor policies and explores the impact of the Society for Human Resource Management throughout the years. Chronicling many of the industry’s most important developments, including the creation of the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Labor, the establishment of national wage and hour laws, and the passing of the Medicare Act, this fascinating account places these changes in the context of world events, discusses the important role human resources plays in American business, and considers the future of human resources over the next 60 years.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management. Its mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources. SHRM represents members in more than 125 countries, and has a network of more than 575 affiliated chapters in the United States, as well as offices in China and India.