ABSTRACT
The considerable attention given to manpower planning is one manifestation of the increasing awareness at all levels of the importance of the effective utilisation of human resources. It is this awareness which Ginzberg has suggested has led to a ‘new discipline of human resources’ and whilst this may be premature, it does highlight the present concern with all aspects of manpower. Manpower planning, in other words, is part of overall corporate planning, and accordingly manpower objectives and manpower policies must relate to national or organisational goals and policies. Manpower planning, therefore, is an activity or process which relates to the future, and is generally regarded in terms of the planning of a desired future both in terms of the effective utilisation of resources, and ‘human satisfaction’. Manpower planning implies a social obligation on the part of the organisation to take reasonable steps to ensure continuity of employment, as well as an economic obligation.
