Strengthening Human Resource Management Systems by Tim Martineau Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK Human Resources for Health Knowledge Hub Inaugural Forum on Human Resources for Health in the Asia and Pacific Regions Sydney, 8 th and 9 th April 2010
HRH is a major bottleneck to achieving MDGs and other health goals
Much effort it being put into scaling up the workforce
We need effective HRM systems to make new investments sustainable
We urgently need to be able to analyse the current problems and design better HRM systems
Systems concepts
The system and its components
Policy to outputs (& outcomes) Workforce with appropriate skills for the job
But to outsiders HRM systems can appear very opaque or unsystematic
Mapping processes e.g. promotion Source: Human Resources Development and Strategic Plan (Lesotho)
Additional components of the whole system
Looking at HR functions as adaptive systems InputOutput Standards CompareTake action Process
The system and the environment
Does the system contribute to the wider purpose? InputOutput Process Standards Outcome/ Purpose Standards
Integration with other HRM systems Job descriptions Performance Appraisal Recruitment & selection
Integration with wider health system
Other contextual factors Labour market Economic situation +++
‘Human activity’ systems
systems to influence human behaviour will have incentives and sanctions included
I can’t find your file! Good systems can be distorted
Potential application of systems approach in HR
Monitoring implementation
Checklist for a systems approach What is the system meant to produce (output)? To what standards? Does this system contribute to an improved health workforce (and health service)? How? How do I know the system is working (compare)? What action can be taken? (inputs, process or standards) Is the problem with the policy, or with the system for implementing it?
Systems improvement
Filling a vacancy can be a complex business! Source: Report of the Joint Design Mission to the Kenyan Health Sector, 2007.
Hiring process for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Source: Washington Post, 26 March 2010
Possible application to the 4 HRH hub areas Migration Leadership and management HRH for maternal health etc HRH for public health emergencies
So how will a systems approach to HRM help?
Diagnose systems problems
Systems become discussable
Better HRM systems contribute to improved health workforce