Strategic Linkages

Human Resource Management

MGMT410

1. Why do you think it is important for HR to be a strategic partner to the business?
Whenever an organization no matter how big or small makes its strategic decision to employ a sizable portion of its workforce from the contingency ranks, other Human Resources Management issues come to the head. This may include having virtual employees available whenever needed, or providing schedulling options that meet their needs, and making decisions about whether benefits will be offered to the contingent workforce. No organization can make the transition to a contingent workforce without sufficient planning. As such, when these strategic decisions are made, HRM must be an active partner in the discussions. After all, it is HRM’s responsibility to locate these temporary workers and bring them into the organization. Just as HRM has played an integral role in recruiting full-time employees, so too will it play a major part in securing needed just-in-time talent.
Many companies today recognize the importance of people in meeting their goals. HRM must therefore balance two primary responsibilities: assisting the organization in its strategic direction and representing and advocating for the organization’s employees. Clearly, HRM has a significant role in today’s organizations. HRM must be forward thinking. HRM must not simply react to what “management” states. Rather, HRM must take the lead in assisting management with the “people” component of the organization. Moreover, an organization’s employees can assist in gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. Attracting and keeping such employees requires HRM policies and practices that they desire. Being a strategic partner also involves supporting the business strategy. This means working with line management in analyzing organizational designs, the culture,