Summary In the article, considering personnel’s as human resources in the enterprises and necessity of their intellectual potential as a competitiveness factor have been substantiated. Stages of transition from managing staff to human resource management have been highlighted. Unlike the managing staff, the role of active personnel policy implemented in human resources management in efficient operation of enterprise has been explained. The article concludes that funding for the personnel’s professional development in the enterprise is a prerequisite for maintaining competitiveness and efficient human resources management ensures competitive advantages of the enterprise in comparison with its rivals.