The Manager’s Role in Strategic Human Resource Management

The role of the Human Resource Manager is evolving with the change in competitive market environment and the realization that Human Resource Management must play a more strategic role in the success of an organization. (Mintzberg, H, Quinn, J B, Ghoshal, S (1989) Organizations that do not put their emphasis on attracting and retaining talents may find themselves in dire consequences, as their competitors may be outplaying them in the strategic employment of their human resources. With the increase in competition, locally or globally, organizations must become more adaptable, resilient, agile, and customer-focused to succeed. (Boxall, P 1992). And within this change in environment, the HR professional has to evolve to become a strategic partner, an employee sponsor or advocate, and a change mentor within the organization. In order to succeed, HR must be a business driven function with a thorough understanding of the organization’s big picture and be able to influence key decisions and policies. In general, the focus of today’s HR Manager is on strategic personnel retention and talents development. (Fombrun, C.J., Tichy, N,M, and Devanna, M.A. (1984) HR professionals will be coaches, counselors, mentors, and succession planners to help motivate organization’s members and their loyalty. The HR manager will also promote and fight for values, ethics, beliefs, and spirituality within their organizations, especially in the management of workplace diversity. (Beer, 1985)AÅ This essay will highlight how a HR manager can meet the challenges of workplace dealing with diversity, productivity, training and benefits. Diversity is a common and important HR issue. Employers must adhere to hiring, promotion and termination practices that don't discriminate against people of different races, ages or sexual orientations.