Resources: definition, characteristics and classification
Resources are the means available to reach goals. They are limited, useful and interchangeable, and are classed as human or non-human.
What a resource is
Resources are the means a person or family uses to reach goals. Anything that can satisfy a want is a resource, but only when the family knows about it and can use it: a free public library nearby is no resource to a family that does not know it exists. Resources are the raw material of management, and management decides how they are combined and used.
Characteristics of resources
- Limited: no family has unlimited time, money or energy, so choices must be made.
- Useful (have utility): a resource has value only when it helps meet a want or goal.
- Interchangeable (can be substituted): one resource can replace another, e.g. money spent on a mixer-grinder saves time and energy.
- Interrelated: using one resource affects others; cooking uses time, energy, fuel, food and skill together.
- Manageable: resources can be planned, combined and conserved to give better results.
- Vary in accessibility: some are within easy reach, others are not, e.g. a ration shop next door versus a distant hospital.
- Can be developed: human resources such as skills and knowledge grow with use and training.
Classification of resources
| Class | Resource | Example at home |
|---|---|---|
| Human | Time | The same 24 hours a day for every person |
| Human | Knowledge | Knowing which foods are rich in iron |
| Human | Skills and abilities | Cooking, tailoring, budgeting, driving |
| Human | Interests and attitudes | A cheerful attitude makes housework lighter |
| Human | Energy | The physical and mental energy of each member |
| Non-human | Money | Salary, rent received, interest |
| Non-human | Material goods | House, furniture, appliances, jewellery |
| Non-human | Community facilities | Schools, parks, libraries, government hospitals, ration shops, public transport |
Other ways to classify resources
Gross, Crandall and Knoll list time, with energy, as a human resource; some other texts list it as non-human. Either is accepted if you explain it.
A diet plan must fit the family's resources. Knowledge of low-cost nutrient-rich foods (ragi, groundnuts, green leafy vegetables), skill in cooking them, and community facilities such as ration shops, anganwadis and the school noon-meal scheme stretch a small food budget.
2 marks: “Define resources.” Resources are the means available to a person or family to reach goals, e.g. time, money, energy and skills.
5 marks: “Explain the characteristics of resources.” Explain five or six (limited, useful, interchangeable, interrelated, manageable, varying accessibility) with one home example each.
10 marks: “Define resources. Classify them and explain their characteristics.” Define, draw a classification chart (human and non-human with sub-types), add other classifications, then explain each characteristic with an example.
Human resources are T-E-K-S-A: time, energy, knowledge, skills, attitudes. Non-human resources are money, material goods and community facilities.