Human resource management transformation

HRM Transformation

The Importance of Human Resource Management in Strategic Planning

Human Resource Management (HRM) needs to have a strategic role in business management. According to Mary Lippitt (2007) the failure to execute is a major concern of executives because it limits organizational growth, adaptability, and competitiveness. Executives are not judged by the brilliance of their strategy, but by their ability to implement it. The problem is how to close the gap between strategy and actual results. The solution is a new execution planning step. Not only will it solve the strategy execution problem, but it also offers HR professionals a unique opportunity to assume a new organizational function and secure a seat at the decision making table.

Background

Traditionally, HR has always played the role of a support function. The department's responsibilities included: 1) staffing, resourcing and hiring, getting the right people for the appropriate role or position, 2) evaluation and rewarding, setting up a system of evaluating performance and ensuring adequate returns and rewards, 3) motivating, mentoring, and counseling, keeping employees happy with their roles, work and work environment while minimizing dissent or conflicts, 4) developing and maintaining culture, creating the organization's unique character, values, ethics and principles, and 5) managing and controlling, to ensure that policies, processes and standards are appropriately implemented (Winchester, 2001).

Execution Planning

Execution planning substantially increases the likelihood of solid and sustainable results. It also offers HR the opportunity to serve as execution planning facilitators and become a valued business partners. HR skill sets match those required for an execution planning facilitator. These include: 1) mastery of systems and integration mechanisms, 2) ability to assess and develop new competencies knowledge of culture and change management, 3) organizational analysis skills, 4) coaching and facilitating skills, 5) ability to forecast and prescribe, 6) consulting and customer service skill, and 7) questioning skills.