Manpower: meaning, definitions and examples
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manpower
[ ˈmænˌpaʊər ]
workforce needs
Manpower refers to the supply of people available for work or the human resources required for a particular task. It is often used in contexts where the need for labor or human capital is being assessed, such as in recruitment, project management, or resource allocation. The term emphasizes the idea of labor as a resource that can be quantified and managed. Companies often analyze their manpower to optimize staffing and improve productivity. The term can also relate to the ability of a country to mobilize its population for work, especially during times of economic growth or crisis.
Synonyms
human resources, labor force, staff, workforce.
Examples of usage
- The project requires a significant amount of manpower to complete on time.
- We need to assess our manpower needs before launching the new initiative.
- The manpower shortage in the industry is affecting production levels.
Translations
Translations of the word "manpower" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mão de obra
🇮🇳 श्रम
🇩🇪 Arbeitskraft
🇮🇩 tenaga kerja
🇺🇦 робоча сила
🇵🇱 siła robocza
🇯🇵 人材
🇫🇷 main-d'œuvre
🇪🇸 mano de obra
🇹🇷 iş gücü
🇰🇷 인력
🇸🇦 قوة العمل
🇨🇿 pracovní síla
🇸🇰 pracovná sila
🇨🇳 人力资源
🇸🇮 delovna sila
🇮🇸 vinnuafl
🇰🇿 еңбек ресурстары
🇬🇪 შრომის რესურსები
🇦🇿 işçi qüvvəsi
🇲🇽 mano de obra
Etymology
The word 'manpower' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'man' which refers to a human being, especially an adult male, with 'power', denoting capacity or strength. The term began to appear in various business and military contexts, reflecting the growing industrialization and the need for organized labor forces. It gained prominence during World War II when the mobilization of both military and civilian workers became crucial for the war effort. Companies started evaluating their manpower as a key performance indicator for productivity, leading to its common usage in HR and business management jargon. Over time, 'manpower' has evolved to encompass discussions about labor dynamics, workforce planning, and economic strategies, often prompting debates about inclusivity and the representation of diversities within the workforce.