Between the two primary departments that manage contingent labor — procurement and human resources — it is commonly perceived that procurement is the tougher one, constantly cutting costs, driving suppliers to the wall, etc., and delighted to do it, whereas human resources is a bit kinder and gentler, a bit more, well, human. 

But a recent story from India may put that perception to the test.

The Press Trust of India reported that nine inmates at the Jabalpur Central Jail in Madhya Pradesh signed up to earn MBA degrees in human resources.

Eight of the nine are in jail for murder, according to the report. And their release dates are between 2013 and 2021.

Hopefully, the inmates won’t return to their old ways after release. However, in the running debate as to whether procurement or human resources is the easier one to deal with, this might be a point in procurement’s favor.