Describe one historical period in public personnel administration. Analyze the social political environment of the perspectives that influenced the HR perspective in use at the time.
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One historical period in public personnel administration is the Progressive Era, which spanned from the late 19th century to the early 20th century in the United States. During this time, significant changes occurred in the public sector's approach to human resources (HR) management.
The social and political environment of the Progressive Era greatly influenced the HR perspective in use. Several key perspectives emerged during this time:
1. Merit System: Prior to the Progressive Era, most public jobs were awarded through the patronage system, where positions were given based on political favoritism rather than qualifications. However, the social and political reforms of the Progressive Era led to the establishment of the merit system. This system aimed to ensure that individuals were hired based on their qualifications and capabilities, rather than political connections. The Civil Service Commission was created to oversee the implementation of the merit system.
2. Scientific Management: Another influential perspective in HR during this period was scientific management, which emerged from the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor. Taylor believed in applying scientific principles to improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace. His ideas influenced public personnel administration by advocating for the standardization of job tasks, the training of workers, and the use of performance evaluations to measure productivity.
3. Social Welfare: The Progressive Era was characterized by a growing concern for social welfare and labor rights. As a result, HR perspectives also began to prioritize worker rights, workplace safety, and fair labor practices. Reforms such as the establishment of minimum wage laws, maximum work hours, and the protection of employees' rights to organize and bargain collectively were introduced during this period.
4. Civil Rights Movement: In the latter half of the Progressive Era, the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum. This had a significant impact on HR perspectives, as equal employment opportunities became a central focus. Discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors started to be challenged, leading to reforms in employment policies and practices.
In summary, the social and political environment of the Progressive Era played a crucial role in shaping the HR perspective used in public personnel administration at that time. Reforms such as the merit system, scientific management, social welfare concerns, and the Civil Rights Movement all influenced the way public sector organizations recruited, managed, and developed their employees.