Challenges to international human resource management: the management of employee risk in the humanitarian aid and security sectors

A more severe focus on the ever-changing political and security global landscape highlights the attendant safety and protection of humanitarian aid and security sector employees who arguably are in greater danger today than at any other time. In almost every jurisdiction organisations have a statutory duty to provide a safe place for staff to work and is expected to mitigate the risks staff may reasonably face. However, the clear message from government, non-government agencies and security specialists alike is that they should be doing more. The key issues in this paper are addressed from an organisational perspective, with a focus on the role of HRM and the crucial part the function should play in the identification, development and implementation of risk management strategies, policies and practices to support organisations. This paper builds on recent research and using an exploratory qualitative research approach based on relevant INGO and government case studies the analysis reveals interesting results that supports some extant research whilst identifying key challenges for organisations to manage in the future. In conclusion, a discussion of the study implications and suggestions for further applied research in the area of risk management in the humanitarian aid and security sectors is proffered.