My personal definition is one that comes from Dr. George Henderson, the founder of The University of Oklahoma’s Human Relations department, “Human Relations is better understanding yourself, so you can better understand yourself and help others.”(George Henderson) This quote encapsulates everything I have learned at OU so far in my human relations classes. Although it is a short sentence, it gives a general statement of what human relations students study. Through my course work I have learned so much about myself and can use that knowledge to help others throughout the rest of my life.
My professional definition of Human Relations is Human relations is an interdisciplinary study of human interaction using humanities, the social sciences, and multicultural perspectives. It values the diversity of the human experience so that we can successfully understand, empathize, and interact with others to work toward a more equitable future. This is the definition my group came up with for our presentation, and I feel like it gives a little more depth to what we study, without being too long. Topics covered in courses with Human Relations include, but not limited to: classism, ageism, sexism, ableism, racism, equality, social justice/change, interpersonal skills, service, cultural awareness, research, and empathy.
Another definition that relates to Human Relations in the workplace, as well as interpersonal relationships is from Akrani “It implies how people interact and cooperate with each other when they come together in a group to achieve objectives.” (2015) This definition gives insight to the skills that HR majors can use in their careers by being cooperative problem solvers.
There is also confusing between Human Relations and Human Resources. A simple distinguishing factor is that Human Relations deals more with the people side of things and Human Resources deals more with the business side of things. Human Resources focuses on payroll, hire, fire and workplace conflicts. (Miles R. E. 2014) Although the two are different, Human Relations can be a useful major for Human Resource jobs, since Human Relations focuses a lot of conflict resolution and human rights.
Since Human Relations is an interdisciplinary study, it can be used to a wide variety of jobs and careers. The careers a Human Relations degree can be used for Human Resource jobs, counseling, sales, ministry, nonprofit organizations, case worker, and much more. This opens up many possibilities for HR graduates in the workforce.
In conclusion, Human Relations is a vast interdisciplinary study that involves many different social science such as: communications, psychology, sociology and social work, to create unique and meaningful major at the University of Oklahoma.
References
Akrani, G. (2015, January 25). What is Human Relations? Meaning and Definitions. Retrieved November 9, 2019, from https://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-is-human-relations-meaning-and.html.
George Henderson: Season 4 Episode 402: OETA’s A Conversation With… (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2020, from https://videos.oeta.tv/video/oetas-conversation-george-henderson/
Miles, R. E. (2014, August 1). Human Relations or Human Resources? Retrieved November 9, 2019, from https://hbr.org/1965/07/human-relations-or-human-resources.