Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how the under‐developed state of human resource management (HRM) seems likely to thwart the economic and social development behind Kazakhstan's ambition to be a top 50 nation by 2020. Design/methodology/approach The paper explains the background to Kazakhstan's Vision 2020, the current state of HRM in the country and the progress HRM specialists need to make if they are to be able to support the nation's rapid economic and social development. Findings The paper reveals that Kazakhstan needs quickly to develop a labor force with the skills and knowledge capable of delivering Vision 2020 while at the same time radically accelerating the competence, connectedness and co‐ordination of HRM specialists across the nation so that they can develop a shared practice. Practical implications The paper urges the need for these specialists to implement the modern policies and practices that organizations rely on to maximize and strategically deploy their human capital. Social implications The paper highlights how HRM can support a nation's entire economic and social development. Originality/value The paper describes the state of HRM in a little‐discussed country.