Evolving school leadership: the shift from managing human resources to managing human capital

The transition from human resource management (HRM) to human capital management marks a significant evolution in the way organizations value and develop their workforce. Within the educational sector, this shift reflects a growing recognition of the important role that the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of the school staff play in achieving educational excellence. Whereas traditional HRM emphasizes administrative efficiency and resource allocation, human capital management focuses on the strategic development of individuals as essential to organizational success. This article explores the existing knowledge about human capital management in schools by tracing its roots in HRM and strategic management traditions. Drawing on these frameworks, we examine how schools can move beyond conventional HR practices to better nurture and leverage their human capital. Through this analysis, we aim to identify best practices that align educational goals with the strategic priorities of human capital management, ultimately enhancing both the performance of the school staff and student outcomes.