Difference Between Human Resource and Human Capital (2024)

Human resourceandhuman capitalare two terms that are extremely similar in that they both relate to present or potential human skills, talents, and talent that are critical to any organization's success.

The two notions are frequently misunderstood and improperly conflated. There are a few minor but significant distinctions between what is intended by human resources and what is meant by human 'capital.'

The article provides a comprehensive explanation of what each of these terms implies, discusses how they are similar, and illustrates the slight but significant distinctions between them.

Human Capital

The skills, training, experience, education, information, know-how, and competencies that humans today provide to a corporation are referred to as human capital. In other words, human capital is the value that a person brings to a firm, which can be assessed by the employee's skills and competencies.

Human capital is a crucial component of production, and employing people with the appropriate education, experience, skills, and training may boost efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Companies can invest in their employees' human capital by providing training and education opportunities. Employeedevelopment and trainingcan help them gain a broader set of skills and abilities while also lowering the cost of acquiring more employees with the required competencies.

One thing to keep in mind is that individuals are not all created equal and that human capital can be developed in a variety of ways to maximize the firm's economic worth.

Human Resources

Understanding the concept of resources is the simplest method to explain human resources. Resources are asset pools from which assets can be pulled as needed until the pool of assets is depleted.

Human resources are comparable in that they represent a pool of human skills, knowledge, and expertise that can be called upon when needed. In other words, it is the boundless human potential that has the potential to increase efficiency, production, and profitability.

What is the difference between Human Resources and Human Capital?

Human capital and human resources are closely related because they both consider how current and potential human skills might be put to the best possible use in order to maximize efficiency and profitability.

Human resources are the human potential that can be pulled from a large pool of resources, whereas human capital is the human capital that can be obtained from a limited pool of resources. Human capital refers to the skills and knowledge that have already been acquired and put to use.

In order for human resources to be realized, they must be hired, trained, developed, and given opportunities and challenges. Human resources can be transformed to human capital over time, which is defined as human skills, capabilities, and competencies that have been invested and engaged in corporate operations while producing outcomes and output.

Summary:

Human Resources vs Human Capital

  • Human resources and human capital are two terms that are extremely similar in that they both relate to present or potential human skills, talents, and talent that are critical to any organization's success.
  • The skills, training, experience, education, information, know-how, and competencies that humans today provide to a corporation are referred to as human capital.
  • Human resources are a pool of human talents, knowledge, and expertise that may be tapped into and expanded as needed.

Difference Between Human Resource and Human Capital (2024)

FAQs

Difference Between Human Resource and Human Capital? ›

The concept of human capital emphasizes the importance of individual development as an organizational investment, while the concept of human resources emphasizes organizational efficiency and productivity.

What is difference between human resources and human capital? ›

Both human resources and human capital are concepts introduced for achieving maximum productivity and profits. However, the critical difference is that human resources focus on an employee's potential skills or talent. In contrast, human capital focuses on an employee's current skills and experience.

What is the difference between capital and resource? ›

The capital is the money that is used to buy the plot of land. In other terms, the capital can also be explained as the amount that is invested to run the business. In simple terms, asset creation requires capital. To sum it up, resource is the source of profit.

What is the main difference between human capital and human capital formation answer? ›

(i)The people of a country are known as Human capital. (ii) It may or may not contribute significantly to the economy of the nation. (i) Healthy and educated human population is known as Human capital formation. (ii) It contributes significantly to the economy of the nation.

What is the difference between human resources and capital goods? ›

Human resources are the quantity and quality of human effort directed toward producing goods and services. Capital goods are goods produced and used to make other goods and services.

Why is HR called human capital? ›

The term human capital refers to the economic value of a worker's experience and skills. Human capital includes assets like education, training, intelligence, skills, health, and other things employers value such as loyalty and punctuality.

What is an example of a human resource? ›

From finding and hiring new talent, providing training and development opportunities, to ensuring compliance with labor laws and managing compensation and benefits. But this description is just a small sample of human resources examples in business.

What human resources mean? ›

Human resources (HR) is the division of a business responsible for finding, recruiting, screening, and training job applicants. HR departments also handle employee compensation, benefits, and terminations.

What are human resources in business? ›

Human resources (HR) is the department within a business that is responsible for all things worker-related. That includes recruiting, vetting, selecting, hiring, onboarding, training, promoting, paying, and firing employees and independent contractors.

What is an example of a human capital? ›

Examples of human capital include the education, technical training, or problem-solving skills that a person offers to a business. Education is one of the most important elements of human capital, as it often leads to increased economic output, higher individual income, and increased economic mobility for families.

What do you mean by human capital? ›

What is human capital and why does it matter? Human capital consists of the knowledge, skills, and health that people invest in and accumulate throughout their lives, enabling them to realize their potential as productive members of society.

How is human capital different from other? ›

Human resource is different from other resources in many senses. Human resources need education training and healthcare to develop. On the other hand land and physical capital need money and physical inputs to develop. Land and physical capital are useless without human resources.

How are human resources and capital resources related? ›

Human resources are the human effort needed to produce goods and services, including skilled workers and entrepreneurials. Capital resources are valuable goods needed to start and run businesses, including investments, infrastructure and technology.

Does capital include human resources? ›

Capital, as a word, has its roots in the economic world, where it refers to the assets a business requires so as to produce goods and deliver the services. It includes things like land, equipment, money, and people – the latter now known as human capital.

What is the meaning of human resources? ›

Human resources meaning

Within a company, human resources (HR) is responsible for screening, recruiting, and training employees, as well as implementing employee processes.

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