Human Resource Management (HRM) refers to managing an organisation’s most valuable resource, its staff. This continuous process is required throughout a company’s life cycle. Human Resource Management is important in South Africa, as it allows companies to hire and retain qualified employees. In the changing business landscape, the duties of a Human Resource Manager also include training, policy development, and employee engagement.
In this article, we will cover the role of an HR Manager in an organisation, the skills that they require, and what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager in South Africa.
Table of Contents
What Does a Human Resource Manager Do?
A Human Resource Manager is involved in all aspects of human resources in a business, from recruitment to skills development. These managers are skilled professionals who are knowledgeable about local labour laws and help protect the employees’ rights.
Students wondering about the HR roles and responsibilities and what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager can enrol in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme.
In this programme they gain a foundational knowledge of HR principles, the responsibilities of HR towards the organisation as well as the workforce, and essential skills for a successful career.
The following are the responsibilities of a Human Resource Manager:
1. Recruitment
HR managers are responsible for creating the job descriptions for available positions, advertising them on various job portals, shortlisting candidates, inviting them for interviews, and making a final selection.
2. Onboarding
Once a new employee joins the organisation, the HR department’s roles and responsibilities are to welcome the employee. The onboarding process introduces employees to the organisation’s policies and procedures and provides company-specific training.
3. Documentation
HR managers are responsible for maintaining employee documents such as visas, bank details, etc. They also help develop contracts and ensure that all employees follow their responsibilities.
4. Performance
The HR manager is responsible for designing and implementing annual performance reviews. This is a reason why interested students should ask what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager. Undergraduate programmes teach how to use performance-measuring tools to gauge productivity, automate payroll, conduct anonymous surveys for departmental improvements, etc.
5. Company Culture
HR is responsible for helping design a positive and nurturing work environment where the staff feels valued. They can organise holiday parties, provide incentives for top performers, or award bonuses.
6. Conflict Resolution
This is necessary when employees have disagreements or if a team is unhappy with a manager. HR Managers can conduct a small training or a conflict resolution session to address all the issues.
7. Compensation and Benefits
This refers to the base salary plus benefits such as dental or health insurance, on-site daycare, or employer-sponsored postgraduate studies. Competitive salaries and additional benefits help companies retain exceptional employees.
Read more on What is a BBA Degree? here
What Degree is Needed to Become a Human Resource Manager in South Africa?
HR Managers hold a responsible job and are required by all small and large companies. The job of an HR Manager today is more than hiring and paying salaries. They are also involved in strategic discussions on increasing and measuring productivity.
As companies hire global talent, HR managers must also understand local laws, compensation, and benefits for overseas employees and keep track of their work visas. To gain this varied knowledge, HR professionals need to enrol in a higher education programme.
For those curious about what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager?, students can enrol for a Bachelor of Business Administration focusing on Human Resources. Regenesys Business School offers this as an accredited 3-year programme.
Additional Qualifications and Certifications for HR Managers
While an undergraduate qualification is necessary to gain foundational knowledge, HR specialists can also consider enroling for a certification from a professional body. These help to demonstrate that an individual has the skills and knowledge as per industry standards.
Professional certifications are also internationally recognised and can offer opportunities for career advancement. Certifications also display a commitment to the profession and an interest in continuous learning.
Benefits of a Certification
- Credibility
- Displays Commitment
- Career Advancement
- Improved Knowledge
- Networking
- Improved Job Performance
- Confidence
We have previously answered the popular student question: what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager? If working professionals are wondering how to become an HR Manager, they can also complete certifications to improve their knowledge and expand their network.
- South African Board for People Practices (SABPP)
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
- Certified Staffing Professional’
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi)
What are the Skills Developed Through an HR Degree?
Many students wonder if a degree is needed for a career in HR. The answer is always a yes. The next question often asked is: What degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager? Students can enrol in a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme with a focus on Human Resources.
The programme covers labour laws, compliance, ethics, HR management tools, etc, which provide a well-rounded base to begin a career in HR. At the same time, students who enrol in an undergraduate programme also gain interpersonal skills that are required to become successful HR managers.
After a few years of work experience, HR professionals can choose to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an HR specialisation.
Below are some skills students acquire when completing a Human Resource degree.
1. Leadership and Management
Participants learn how to lead teams, motivate staff, and manage a positive working environment. The programme also covers HR strategies for developing talent for new organisational positions or roles.
2. Strategic Thinking and Planning
HR managers actively participate in organisational change and learn to plan a smooth transition for open positions. They learn to hire and promote staff that align with an organisation’s objectives.
3. Cultural Awareness
Most companies in South Africa are inclusive and hire diverse employees. A degree teaches HR professionals to be sensitive to cultural differences and create a workplace environment where no one feels discriminated against or threatened.
4. Active Listening
They are also trained to become active listeners so that they can understand management needs and help resolve conflicts by understanding all points of view.
5. Technology in HR Systems
Data analytics and technology are now integrated into HR practices in most organisations. University programmes help to familiarise students with HR software that can help manage payroll, performance, etc. HR managers rely on quantifiable data to measure performance and decide on promotions and salary hikes.
Career Pathways in HR Management
Human Resources is an essential department in all organisations and requires skilled managers. Therefore, it is important to know what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager and pursue the necessary education before applying for a role in the industry.
Multinational companies with thousands of employees have large HR departments, including sub-sections such as performance management, operations, compensation and benefits, training, etc.
HR professionals typically need to work and gain experience in entry- and junior-level roles before they can rise to the rank of HR Manager.
Given below are some of the job roles available in the field of human resources.
- Human Resouce Assistant
- Human Resouce Coordinator
- Human Resouce Specialist
- Human Resouce Generalist
- Human Resouce Manager
- Human Resouce Director
- Vice President of Human Resources
- Chief Human Resouce Officer
What is the Work Experience Required for HR Managers?
Before an HR professional can rise the ranks to become an HR Manager, they must have at least 5 years of experience working in a variety of HR roles. This exposes individuals to various aspects and processes within HR. Before they can gain experience, students must first research what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager and enrol for the programme before the application deadline.
It is important for students to enrol in internships while completing their undergraduate programmes. This allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical situations and learn from professionals working in the industry for several years.
As professionals gain experience, they can ask for more responsibilities or apply for junior-level positions such as Talent Acquisition Specialist or Employee Relations Specialist. These managerial positions provide them with the workplace skills required to lead the department as an HR Manager.
What is the Job Market for HR Managers in South Africa?
The HR demand in South Africa is relatively high. Companies need experienced HR Managers to recruit and retain qualified professionals by providing competitive salaries and a positive work environment. HR managers are trained in the soft skills necessary to navigate inclusive workplace environments. They also help companies understand the needs of their employees and provide training and development opportunities.
According to Talent.com, an HR Manager in South Africa earns an average of R455,333 as of December 2024. Entry-level managers can earn around R313,800, while experienced managers can earn up to R1,971,246.
This is a well-paying field which requires knowledgeable and skilled professionals. Therefore, those who like working with people and improving organisations should find answers to what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager and enrol.
Read more on Human Resource Management in Diverse Workplaces
Conclusion
Human Resource Management plays a crucial role in the success of any organisation. In South Africa, it is especially important for businesses aiming to recruit, retain, and develop qualified employees. Managers also help to ensure compliance with labour laws and create a positive workplace environment.
HR Managers handle recruitment and onboarding and manage performance, employee relations, company culture, and conflict resolution. They must continue to refine their skills, including leadership, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness, to contribute effectively to their organisation’s goals.
Those interested in learning more about what degree is needed to become a Human Resource Manager must check out the details of the Bachelor of Business Administration programme offered by Regenesys. Visit the website today!
What Degree is Needed to Become a Human Resource Manager? – FAQs
What degree is needed to become an HR Manager?
The required degrees for HR Managers include a Bachelor of Business Administration, which can be followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) after a few years of work experience.
What are the Human Resource Management qualifications in South Africa?
Those who wish to pursue a career in Human Resource Management must complete an undergraduate programme that offers them a foundational understanding of HR principles. At a later stage in the career, it can be followed by certifications or an MBA.
Are there any accredited HR courses in South Africa?
Private institutes offer accredited HR courses, which provide an excellent option to upskill.
Are there any online HR management degrees in South Africa?
The BBA and MBA programmes Regenesys Business School in South Africa offers can be completed online. The online programme follows the same curriculum but offers the added advantage of flexibility.
What is the Human Resource Management career path?
Students should complete university and apply for entry-level jobs such as HR Assistant or HR Coordinator, before moving to more specialised roles, such as Talent Acquisition Specialist. Professionals need at least 5 years of experience before applying for the role of HR Manager. From there, they can advance to HR Director.
