It is really ironical, isn't it, that the whole range of subjects under Humanities are given a short shrift in the functions of Human Resources and Organisation Development? HR and OD draw significantly from fields like Psychology, Sociology and Social Psychology. Have you ever come across HR and OD professionals applying subjects that get classified as 'Humanities' - philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history and language - in their work? Forget about using, these 'professions' - that deal with human beings - don't seem to even consider how Humanities can be useful in impacting human behavior!
I wonder why! Is it because fields like Psychology, Sociology and Social Psychology are considered to be 'sciences' while Humanities-subjects are not? Even if it is so, how scientific are these 'sciences'? And why should HR and OD that deal with human beings lay such an overwhelming emphasis on behavioral 'science' knowledge and skills?
I believe that it is high time that the fields of HR and OD include study and application of Humanities, that too consciously, visibly and vocally. We can't afford to miss utilising what humanities offer - understanding, processing and documenting human experiences.
Interestingly, there are people who bring subjects of Humanities to bear on HR and OD - philosophy, performing arts, and linguistics to name a few. But these are more in the realm of 'nice to do' rather than mainstream. Dallies with Humanities in HR and OD are more from romanticism rather than serious affairs!
Here's inviting folks from both sides (HR and OD on the one hand and Humanities on the other) to extend their respective arms with a commitment to blend? Can we have some real and serious conversations to include Humanities in training and developing HR and OD professionals?
I wonder why! Is it because fields like Psychology, Sociology and Social Psychology are considered to be 'sciences' while Humanities-subjects are not? Even if it is so, how scientific are these 'sciences'? And why should HR and OD that deal with human beings lay such an overwhelming emphasis on behavioral 'science' knowledge and skills?
I believe that it is high time that the fields of HR and OD include study and application of Humanities, that too consciously, visibly and vocally. We can't afford to miss utilising what humanities offer - understanding, processing and documenting human experiences.
Interestingly, there are people who bring subjects of Humanities to bear on HR and OD - philosophy, performing arts, and linguistics to name a few. But these are more in the realm of 'nice to do' rather than mainstream. Dallies with Humanities in HR and OD are more from romanticism rather than serious affairs!
Here's inviting folks from both sides (HR and OD on the one hand and Humanities on the other) to extend their respective arms with a commitment to blend? Can we have some real and serious conversations to include Humanities in training and developing HR and OD professionals?
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