ABSTRACT
This chapter shows why human resource management (HRM) practices in Indian context indicate a confluence of modern and traditional perspectives. It presents the modern perspective and the traditional perspective on HR management. The chapter explains the sources of confluence and how to leverage it in the design and implementation of HRM systems. It highlights the confluence of modern and Indian traditional HR practices through the case study examples, focusing on four aspects of HRM: staffing, training, performance management and diversity. The organizations’ performance management systems reflect a mixture of modern and traditional aspects with a focus on attitude rather than technical skills and a sense of duty and commitment. Organizations in India face a challenge in terms of aligning an extremely diverse workforce to common organizational values, vision or mission. A strong organizational culture facilitates the alignment of HR practices across levels and across geographies.
