Intricacies of HRM as a managerial profession of South Africa : A conceptual analyses

Abstract: The extent to which human resource management can be considered a profession in South Africa is still being debated. The primary goal of this study was to review the literature on the progression of professionalisation and professionalism in HRM in general and practices that could be explicitly adopted in the South African context. This manuscript is organised as a review of the literature. The literature review findings show that the current South African HR fraternity can obtain common understandings of HR professionalism when applied to all vocational settings by developing a governing body with legal status, a body of knowledge, and establishing standards for all HR practices at all organisational levels. The ontological methodology of literature analyses highlighted the significance, guiding principles, and expected behaviour of professionals in general and HRM practitioners in South Africa. Finally, recommendations are made for the enhancement of HR professionalism