Professional Development for Human Resource Management Practitioners in NEST Second Tier Emerging Markets: A Three Country Study

Abstract

This paper reports on a research project conducted to investigate the professional development needs of Human Resource (HR) professionals in three emerging markets: Kazakhstan, Philippines and South Africa. Furthermore, the research sought to identify the extent to which and in what ways these development needs were being met. The research adopted a qualitative methodology applying a Grounded Theory methodological framework for data collection and analysis. Ninety-five, semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted between March 2013 and October 2015. The data revealed that to a significant degree HR practitioners are having to initiate, and self-direct their own professional development which, they report, is much less beneficial than undertaking sponsored professional development events that are structured and group orientated. The research also found that there are numerous barriers to professional development including nepotism/favoritism, lack of money, lack of time and lack of available opportunities. There are implications for organizations, the HR profession and employees generally in relation to the proficiency of HR practitioners and the impact a lack of proficiency could have on the organization. Further, perhaps quantitative, research is encouraged to explore the issues raised here further with larger and other similar populations.