Managing Persons in Complexity: A Paradigm Shift

This conceptual article explains the importance of a paradigm shift in organizations. We propose a paradigm shift from human resources management to person management. This shift is not just semantic but implies a humanistic and realistic vision of the complexity of the human beings around us. We begin by outlining the theoretical underpinnings of person management, through personalism. Then, using Edgar Morin's complexity paradigm, we continue the humanist anchoring, while adding a realistic vision of humans, their interactions, and their environment. Finally, we present four effects of managing people in complexity. The first concerns a solidarity that cannot be imposed. The second presents the multiplicity of identities, the third examines formalization, while the fourth focuses on performance and hidden costs.