Abstract:
Human resource development research suggests that investment in people results in
improved performance on the individual level, improved productivity on the
organizational level, and economic development and other benefits on the societal
level. Nevertheless, comparative research on Human Capital (HC) development is still
limited and comparisons among multiple countries are difficult to find. The purpose
of this paper is to conduct macro-level analysis of HC development strategies,
followed by four emerging countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and
Bangladesh). This analysis is based on comparisons of macro indices of HC and
innovativeness of the economy and a review of related academic literature and
publications of governments and international organizations. Study results suggest
that in terms of present human capital capacity India and Sri Lanka are ahead of
Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, during the last decade the governments of
Bangladesh and Pakistan have initiated impressive national programs of HC
development, which include significant investment in all stages of education and
vocational training, especially in science and technology fields. Though Sri Lanka is
well-ahead of many human capital indices, it lacks comprehensive long-term
strategies to maintain the momentum. While being the highest populous country, the
Indian government plays a progressive and sustainable role in all the areas of human
development and coordinating effort of various agencies and constituencies. Study
provides not only specific insights on the current and future state of HC in South
Asian countries, but also a practical framework for analyzing HC policies in any other
developing country of the world.
