The functions of human resource management may be classified as under:
(i) Managerial function
(ii) Operative functions

(i) Human resource is the only factor of production that lives.
(ii) Human resources created all other resources.

(i) The organisation recruits, selects and utilises high quality human resource the sustainability remains a question.
(ii) In order to accomplish personal and organisational objectives the unique asset called human resource.

The vital resource namely human resource is significant because of the following reasons:
(i) It is only through human resource all other resources are effectively used
(ii) Industrial relations depend on human resource.
(iii) Human relations is possible only through human resource
(iv) Human resource manages all other factors of production
(v) Human resource can be utilised at all levels of management
(vi) Human resources are well protected by legislative frameworks.

The unique, peculiar and distinctive features of human resources are as under :
(i) Human resource is the only factor of production that lives.
(ii) Human resource created all other resources.
(iii) It is only the labour of employees that is hired and not the employee himself.
(iv) Human resource exhibits innovation and creativity.

In the words of E.F.L. Breach, HRM as that part of management process which is primarily concerned with the human constituents of an organisation.

(i) To identify manpower needs :
Determination of manpower needs in an organisation is very important as it is a form of investment.The number ofmen required are to be identified accurately to optimise the  cost.
(ii) To incorporate change :
Change is constant in any organisation and this change has to be introduced in such a way that the human resource management acts as an agent to make the change effective.
(iii) To ensure the correct requirement of manpower :
At any time the organisation should not suffer from shortage or surplus manpower which is made possible through human resource management. 
(iv) To select right man for right job :
Human resource management ensures the right talent available for the right job, so that no employee is either under qualified or over qualified.
(v) To update the skill and knowledge :
Managing human resource plays a significant role in the process ofemployee skill and knowledge enhancement to enable the employees to remain up to date through training and development programmes.

The characteristics of Human Resource :
(i) Human resource is the only factor of production that lives.
(ii) Human resource created all other resources.
(iii) It is only the labour of employees that is hired and not the employee himself.
(iv) Human resource exhibits innovation and creativity.
(v) Human resource alone can think, act analyse and interpret.
(vi) Human resources are emotional beings.