Gaps and paradoxes in theory and practice : the public sector human resource management discourse in South Africa

Abstract

There is currently a gap between the work of academics and that of human \nresource (HR) practitioners. This is due to specific paradoxes inherent to the \nfield. Within this paradoxical context, the article reflects on a future framework \nfor public sector human resource management (PSHRM) thought and practice. \nAcademics are predominantly preoccupied with the relatively unpredictable \nprocess of exploring and questioning. One assumes that academics seek one \nuniversal truth, namely an integrated, structured knowledge base, as opposed \nto a situation where there are disconnected facts and ideas. Practitioners find \nthemselves identifying (and trying to rectify) workplace problems in order to \nimprove conditions for all employees, and to enhance the performance of \npublic sector institutions. This depiction of the respective roles of academics \nand practitioners creates the potential for conflict, thereby complicating the \nHR component. Within this context, the article sheds light on what should be \nthe primary focus of academic thinking and managerial practice in the PSHRM \nfield.

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