Across the world, globalization has elevated the importance of human resource management development in organizations. These changes have led to the notion of the human resource system as a strategic asset. Many of the arguments about processes of globalization within the HR function rest on the assumption that there has and continues to be longitudinal change in the conduct of human resource. In order to effectively deal with all these changes, human resource professionals must develop competencies that will allow them to carry out their roles effectively, such competences like: flexibility, team work, communication, strategic planning, network building, client service, orientation, organizational awareness, self confidence, sharing of expertise, global and cultural understanding among others. This paper sought to identify the role played by school principals as Human Resource Managers in Secondary schools. The study was modeled on Burns and Stalk Contingency theory which focuses on how management systems might change in response to demands of rapidly changing environment. Survey research design was used. The target population was 140 secondary school principals drawn from Nandi County. Census sampling was used to select the study sample. Data collection was done using self-administered questionnaire. Coding of responses was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for windows Version 16. Analysis of the data was done through descriptive statistics. Data was presented in form of frequency tables and charts. The study findings clearly indicated that the primary roles identified included recruitment of staff in schools, encouraging team work among staff, empowering staff and encouraging them in developing their career. Therefore the principals should have a knowhow on, how to carry out the above roles to boost the performance and development of the institution.
Keywords: Human Resource Managers (HRMs), Principals, Role, Secondary Schools
