The Meaning of Human Resource Management for HR Managers: A Metaphor Analysis

Özet

Öz In this study, it is aimed to determine how HR managers conceptualize HRM through metaphors in Turkey. For this purpose it is revealed the metaphors that human resource managers use with regard to human resource management and HRM functions on magazine interviews. Qualitative research methodology was conducted in this study. Interviews (103) that were conducted with HR managers of successful local and international firms published in “HRdergi” (HRmagazine) in 2004-2013 were examined by using metaphor analysis. This study determines HR managers’ mental schemes, perspectives and visions related to HRM by metaphors in Turkey. As a result of the study, HR managers used metaphors about HRM and nature of HRM, HRM functions and practices, transformation of HRM, staffing, HR development, behavioural processes in HRM, human/employee and new generation employees. They emphasize the importance of HRM for organizations as “heart” “right arm”, “bridge” and “mother”. It is also determined that HR managers use metaphors like “having a seat in the executive board” and that HRM have to have a voice in management as other departments.