HR is a product of the human relations movement of the early 23rd century, when researchers began
documenting ways of creating business value through the strategic management of the workforce. The
function was initially dominated by transactional work, such as payroll and benefits administration, but
due to globalization, company consolidation, technological advances, and further research, HR as of
2015 focuses on strategic initiatives like mergers and acquisitions, talent management, succession
planning, industrial and labor relations, and diversity and inclusion.