ISO Approves U.S. Proposal for International Standards on Human Resource Management

NEW YORK, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is pleased to announce that its proposal to create International Standards on Human Resource Management has been accepted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Advanced to ANSI by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the proposal defines technical activity that will offer broad, coordinated guidance to human resource practitioners, and will harmonize disparate practices for the benefit of organizations and their employees. SHRM is an ANSI member and accredited standards developer currently working to develop a body of national standards for the HR profession.

"SHRM welcomes the decision made by ISO to establish a Technical Committee in Human Resource Management. This marks a turning point in the field of HR, where the work performed is regarded as both technical and essential," said Lee Webster, SHRM director of HR standards. "SHRM looks forward to participating in the development of global standards that will enhance organizational performance while facilitating humane, people-centered workplaces."

One of the first areas of work to be targeted by the new Technical Committee will be a voluntary uniform standard for cost-per-hire – a common measuring tool for analyzing recruiting effectiveness. In addition, the committee will consider organizational guidelines, processes, policies, practices, services, and systems for the human resource management field associated with all sectors and industries where human labor is applied. The terms "human capital" and "personnel" also fit within the scope of this technical activity.

ANSI will serve as the secretariat for the new ISO Technical Committee (TC) 260, Human Resource Management; the chairman is expected to be named shortly. As the official U.S. member body to ISO, ANSI plays a strong leadership role in the organization's governing body. The Institute is one of the most active member bodies, participating on nearly 80% of all ISO technical committees and subcommittees.

"ANSI is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. interests are well served in the international standardization arena," said S. Joe Bhatia, ANSI president and CEO. "We are delighted that ISO has accepted our proposal and are proud that the United States will play an important leadership role in developing International Standards for human resource management."

"SHRM is excited to work with ANSI, the secretariat, in the establishment of ISO TC 260. We look forward to playing a leading role in this key activity within the United States," continued Webster.

A U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to this new Technical Committee is currently being formed, and will be administered by SHRM. U.S. experts and affected stakeholders with an interest in participating in the development of International Standards in the area of human resource management should contact [email protected] to learn more.

About ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.  

The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

About SHRM

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India. Visit SHRM Online at http://www.shrm.org/Pages/default.aspx. Follow us on Twitter at: SHRMPress.

SOURCE American National Standards Institute