Essay on Human Relations: Interpersonal and Organizational Applications

Week 1 Assignment

     It is known that human relations play a significant role in the life of any individual because any human activity is focused on providing services, and in some cases, relationships are more important for individuals than products. The term human relations can be defined as all types of interactions between human beings, including social and interpersonal relations (conflicts, cooperative work and group relationships), according to Barry L. Reece, Rhonda Brandt and Karen F. Howie (4).

The study of human relations can help to better understand how to achieve success in career. It has been found that it is very difficult to develop and apply the appropriate human skills needed in today’s workplace which is characterized as diverse workplace, based on teamwork.  The employees have to work with clients, customers, co-employees who vary in their age, values and beliefs, communication styles and cultural background, gender and social status. The study of human relations is associated with such behavioral sciences as sociology, psychology, anthropology, etc. However, the field of human relations not only defines problems, but helps to anticipate and resolve these problems, or avoid these problems. The study of human relations is important in personal and professional life because “this field emphasizes knowledge that can be applied in practical ways to problems of interpersonal relations at work and in our personal life” (Reece et al. 9). The major issues that can be discussed in the study of human relations include communication, motivation, self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-disclosure, trust and conflict resolution, according to Reece et al. (16). These issues can help in personal growth and development and in achieving the major organizational goals. Effective human relations combine the appropriate knowledge, personal experience, skills, and attributes.