National Human Resource Development in Transitioning Societies in the Developing World: Brazil

Abstract

The problem and the solution. This article explores and describes Brazil within the transitioning contexts of economic, political, and sociocultural growth and development. Although major components of its economy participate in the global marketplace, significant portions of its population live in poverty, poor health, and illiteracy. Its history includes a colonial past marked by the use of slavery, gross inequalities between races and in educational opportunities, uneven development of the economy, and prevailing race-oriented political parties—all of which play an influential role in the emergence of human resource development as a national need and priority. These imbalances are being addressed through the actions of multinational corporations, labor unions, educational institutions, and governmental agencies. Through the analysis and synthesis of available literature and data, the national human resource development needs, goals, and strategies pertinent to this transitioning society in the developing world are explored.

The Persistence of Working Poor Families in a Changing U.S. Job Market

“…Along with recent reforms to combat ineffective governance, corruption, public disenfranchisement, and emigration of educated Moroccans, the authors urged HRD professionals and policy makers to promote job creation and increased earnings for the workforce, and collaboration among the government ministries for education, training, and economic development. Similar challenges are discussed by Hasler, Thompson, and Schuler (2006) in their examination of the role of national human resource development (NHRD) in addressing the socioeconomic and political issues in Brazil. Finally, published case studies reported the use of job training and organization development for poverty alleviation and community development in Thailand and Bangalore, India (McLean, Kuo, Budhwani, Yamnill, & Virakul, 2012).…”

The factors and conditions for national human resource development in Brazil

“…Brazil's status as a developing country is reflected in its pursuit of socioeconomic and political improvement, as well as, the development of knowledge and skill at the individual and collective levels (Eqbal, 1980). Attentive to the framework constructed by Paprock's (2006) derivation of Harbison and Myers (1964) perspective on development, Hasler, et al, (2006) noted several contrasting conditions such as regional prosperity versus extreme poverty, exemplary universities versus unequal educational opportunities, and significant development investment versus persistent workforce training gaps.…”

“…The time in between these periods has shaped Brazil's political perspectives, as wars, coup d'etat's, and military rule have influenced how it governs and the nature of their regional and international relationships. As recognized by Hasler et al (2006) race has influenced the political process through the development of race oriented initiatives and political organizations (Beato, 2004).…”

“…While the labor unions have been successful in drawing attention to wage and earning power issues (OECD, 2013), and the implementation of somewhat protectionist economic policies, these two developments also present themselves as challenges to international investment in Brazil (personal communication, Henry, 2013). Hasler's et al (2006) discussion of the economic transitions during the early 1970's through the 1990's pointed to Brazil's evolution from a raw materials and agriculture based economy to a technology driven economy receptive to global business. The 1970's and 80's were marked by high inflation and high public debt.…”

“…The critical impact of increasing rates of HIV/AIDS infection was a major social issue identified by (Hasler, et al, 2006). However, it does appear that Brazil's response to what in the 1990's seemed to be a pending pandemic, has been sufficient in slowing the rate of HIV/AIDS infections (Okie, 2006).…”