History, Evolution and Development of Human Resource Management The history of Human Resource Management (HRM) begins around the end of the 19th century, when welfare officers (sometimes called ‘welfare secretaries’) came into being. They were women and involved with the protection of women and girls. Their creation was a reaction to the: Harshness of industrial conditions Pressures arising from the extension of the franchise Influence of trade unions and the labor movement Campaigning of enlightened employers, often Quakers, for what was called ‘industrial betterment’ 20 th century developments The First World War accelerated change in the development of personnel management. Women were recruited in large numbers to fill the gaps left by men going to fight. This meant reaching agreement with trade unions (often after bitter disputes) about ‘dilution’– accepting unskilled women into craftsmen’s jobs and changing manning levels. D