Is HR in IT/ITES Losing Its Edge to RPO? Seeking Insights from Industry Veterans

Dear Seniors,

I am an HR Officer in the ITES sector, and one of my HR friends in the manufacturing sector planning to switch over to the IT/ITES sector has a few doubts about the role of HR in the IT/ITES sector and its future. I expect a foresighted view from seniors in this regard. Will the role of HR in the manufacturing sector have prominence over the role in the IT/ITES sector, as RPO may cater to most of the part played by HR in the IT/ITES sector, and HR is not actively involved in planning & policy-making.

Thanks,
Vels

Hi Velswiz,

HR's role in any industry is essentially the same. The only difference will be in the recruitment of the talent pool. It's not like in an ITES org where you will only do clerical work, but in a manufacturing company, you will be designing policies.

Many companies across industries are slowly realizing the importance of HR as a strategic partner rather than just a back-end support function. Thus, many companies, irrespective of the industry, are moving towards this trend now.

Having said that, the ITES industry is currently facing a slump with stagnated salary growths and high attrition rates.

So, if your question is whether the ITES industry or the manufacturing industry as a whole will be in demand, then I would say the future looks better for the manufacturing industry. However, as I mentioned, it's about the entire industry, not just one department within it.

I hope this clarifies your doubt. If not, please let me know.

Hi Deepthi,

Thank you for the reply. I too hold the same view. Anyone with different views?

Regards,
Vels

Nothing is wrong with the future of HR, neither in India nor worldwide.

The question before us right now is: what is the future of IT in India rather than the future of HR in IT companies?

China has taken a massive drive to teach English to Chinese youth, especially aiming at software, IT, and BPO as major employment potential sectors, leading to good revenue generation as well. China does not compete with India; they have their own innovative ideas to counter the threat from IT-dominant countries and become a world leader.

Don't be under the wrong impression or misled by cheap roadside Chinese goods being sold in India. This is not a true picture of Chinese creation but rather Indian innovation in the Chinese market for Indian consumers, facilitated by Indian importers who push Chinese manufacturers to produce inexpensive goods for India and Africa. In Africa, Indian businesses predominantly dominate. China also manufactures high-quality products for Western countries that are not available in the Indian market. Due to strict USA trade laws and other Western countries' trade practices, products that do not meet their standards are not allowed. For example, European Union trade laws are very strict and enforced with penalties for substandard goods. Chinese goods are prevalent in developed countries, unlike in India or Africa where low-quality products are common.

Currently, China is targeting the IT sector, and it is hoped that in the next five years, they will lead in this sector.

The future of IT companies is now an issue. English teachers have greater job opportunities in China with work visa priority. English teaching jobs are in high demand in China.

Just for information...

Raj