Researchers all over the globe have showed increased research attention in management literature towards discrimination at the workplace. The research has revealed that human resource management practices play a critical role in shaping the extent of discrimination that occurs within an organization as they influence the access that women employees have to opportunities within the workplace regarding training, fair performance appraisals, career advancement, equal rewards, and developmental assignments.
Top1. Introduction
Human resource management (HRM) is the strategic and operational approach to managing an organization's most valuable asset – its people. It involves recruiting, managing, training and developing people within the organization to ensure that the organization is able to meet its goals and objectives. HRM is a critical function of any organization and is responsible for the success or failure of the organization (Boselie, Van Harten, & Veld, 2021). HRM plays a vital role in developing, maintaining, and improving organizational structure, culture, and employee engagement. It also has a major impact on the organization's bottom line, as it is responsible for managing employee compensation, benefits, and other incentives. Additionally, HRM is responsible for ensuring legal compliance with labor laws, as well as monitoring and evaluating employee performance (Greer, 2021; Memon, A. B., & Tunio, M. N. 2023; Sultan, & Tunio, 2022; Abdullah, et al., 2020).
The focus of HRM is to ensure the organization's success by finding, developing, and retaining the right people with the right skills. HRM implements strategies to identify, recruit, and retain qualified employees, and develop and maintain a competitive workforce. It is responsible for creating and implementing policies, procedures, and strategies to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, and to ensure a safe and healthy work environment(Boselie, Van Harten, & Veld, 2021). HRM also works to improve employee morale, motivation, and engagement by implementing programs such as employee recognition, rewards, and incentives. In addition, HRM is responsible for managing employee relationships, resolving conflicts, and providing guidance and support on employee-related matters. Finally, HRM is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to ensure that the organization is competitive in the labor market(Greer, 2021).
1.1 Concept of Empowerment
Empowerment is the process of giving people the authority, resources, and confidence to take initiative and make decisions that improve their lives and the lives of those around them. It can involve both individuals and groups, and can take place at the organizational, community, and individual levels(Elsenhans, 2021). At the organizational level, empowerment can involve creating a culture of trust and shared responsibility, developing an environment in which employees feel they can make decisions and take risks without fear of punishment or failure, and allowing them to take ownership of their work and act on it in a way that meets their goals. It also involves giving employees access to resources, training, and support that help them become more effective and successful (Afshan, et al., (2021; Alshareef, et al., 2022; Aurangzeb, et al., 2021).
At the community level, empowerment involves creating a sense of ownership among citizens and encouraging them to take an active role in their own development (Tunio, et al., 2022; Chaudhry, et al., 2021). This can include providing access to resources and support, advocating for policy changes that give citizens a voice in decision-making, and creating spaces where community members can come together to learn, share, and work together (Gilal, et al., 2021; Tunio, et al., 2021). At the individual level, empowerment entails giving people the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to make decisions that are beneficial to their own lives and the lives of those around them (Memon, et al., 2021; Tunio, et al., 2021). This can include access to education and training, developing a sense of self-efficacy, and creating a supportive environment that promotes individual growth and development (Elsenhans, 2021).
Empowerment is an ongoing process that requires commitment and ongoing effort. It requires a shift in mindset, both on the part of individuals and organizations, to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to make decisions and take action that improves their lives and the lives of those around them.