This paper compares HRM patterns - variables pertaining to HR department, HR strategy, integration,
devolvement and organizational policies about long-term recruitment targets, monitoring of training
effectiveness and means of communications - in public and private higher education institutes (HEIs) of Pakistan.
Results of the survey from fifty-two HEIs show that public and private sector institutes are similar in most of
their patterns of HRM. The significant difference of age and size has made no impact at all on structure, strategy
and other characteristics of HRM. The centralized structure inherited from colonial period is prevailing
especially in the public owned institutes. The presence of elite classes created during colonial period is resisting
to any change. Private sector has shown a tremendous growth. Individuals or group of individuals representing
the elite classes owns most of the private institutes. Therefore, the private institutes are not much different from
the public one. There is resistance to HRM convergence in Pakistan and the high power distance culture is
shaping many HRM policies and practices.