Managerial Insight into HR Issues and Competencies Needed for Entry-Level HR Professionals

Abstract

The present paper aimed at identifying the current HR issues and challenges in India and competencies required for entry-level HR professionals to address them.  The data collected from978 managers working in different organizations across India using a survey questionnaire formed the basis for analysis. The data was analyzed quantitatively using mean scores and t-test. The study found that performance management, employee motivation, career development and ethics in workplace are major HR issues of concern for managers. Consistent with the HR issues, developing career development plans emerged as the topmost important competency required for HR professionals. The study further found that there were significant differences in the perception of HR issues and HR competencies based on nature of business, organisational size, and geographical orientation of the organisations, and managers’ nature of work and their length of service.