human relations

American  

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

1. the study of group behavior for the purpose of improving interpersonal relationships, as among employees.

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Etymology

Origin of human relations

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The human relations software provider posted fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that matched analysts’ estimates but its fiscal-year revenue outlook was shy of expectations.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Those jobs included positions for engineers, technicians, accountants, human relations professionals and others, with a focus on early-career development for recent high school and community college graduates, Whitesides said in an interview this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024

Many professionals in the service sector work in teams which include both humans and artificial intelligence systems, which sets new expectations on interactions, human relations, and leadership.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

Her mother had shone in a job in human relations at U.S.

From New York Times • Nov. 26, 2022

The September skirmish took place during a council discussion over forming a human relations Commission, primarily to hear alleged incidents of race discrimination.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson