Human Resources Association of Greater Detroit records, 1916-1999
3.5 linear feet
The records of the Human Resources Association of Greater Detroit have been arranged into one Organizational Records series. A History folder includes the constitution and bylaws of the Detroit Employment Managers' Club, a brief history of the early years, and several pamphlets explaining the purpose of the organization. The Minutes are probably the most interesting part of the record group. The minutes for the early period, 1918 to 1923, are fascinating. Although frequently rather cryptic (they mention only the general topics of discussion), the minutes still reveal the concerns of management. Researchers should note the occasional practice of having each member report on the situation in his plant (all members were male at this time) - how many people had been laid off, what wages were paid and what were the policies respecting African Americans, women, and aliens. There is not, unfortunately, a great deal of this kind of material. Minutes from subsequent years are less valuable, but they still clearly show the growing professionalization of a managerial class. From 1960 to the late 1990s, the issues of importance to the organization can only be gleaned from the lecture topics as the minutes reflect a new concern for organizational, rather than labor management, issues.