Consistent human resource practices

This article explores the role of consistency in human resource practices. It explores and explains different forms of consistency and why they are va luable in managing human resources: consistency among different aspects of human resource policy, such as integrating compensation, recruitment, and p romotion policies; consistency in how human resource policies affect differ ent classes of employees (should scientists and engineers be treated simila rly, for instance, and what about clericals?); and consistency of human res ource policies over time. In the context of the second sort of consistency, the article explores both the span of consistency and "manufactured distin ctions" that facilitate distinctive treatment to different employees. The a rticle discusses the problem of measuring consistency and provides examples illustrating consistent and inconsistent human resource practices.