The emerging role of Human Resource Development in achieving sustainable competitive advantage.

This paper is based on executive development, consulting and research and development work over the last 10 years. The majority of this work, although not exclusively, has been based on large organisations in a range of sector,: including government, commerce and industry. These organisations are mainly based in advanced Western economies and include multi-national organisations. The paper commences by considering the broad historical changes in the macro external environment, and then very briefly considers how organisations in general and the Human Resources Function in particular have responded to these developments. Consideration is then given to the current challenges and the vital emerging role of Human Resources Development (HRD) as an essential ingredient in creating and maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. The present era is one where the ability to continuously change in a more efficient and effective way than competitors is a major determinant of whether organisations continue to exist and grow (develop sustainability), or die. The paper considers HRD's strategic role in developing organisations' skills to meet this challenge.