A lot of people might think of human resource management as a relatively modern phenomenon. However, maximizing worker potential and management of people is a concern that goes as far back as human history itself.

? The history of human resources is a rich and complex one, shaped not only by such fields as business and psychology but also by the civil rights movement and legal cases dealing with workers’ rights. Most of the ideas that influenced the emergence of human resources management as we know it started to take shape back in the 18th century, culminating in today’s human resources departments.

? Current technological innovations are likely to continue to shape and advance the field of human resource management, keeping it relevant for companies and their workforces in the future.