The New Roles of the Human Resources Professional Composed By: Satish K Some industry commentators call the Human Resources function the last bastion of bureaucracy. Traditionally, the role of the Human Resource professional in many organizations has been to serve as the systematizing, policing arm of executive management. In this role, the HR professional served executive agendas well but was frequently viewed as a roadblock by much of the rest of the organization. While some need for this role occasionally remains - you wouldn't want every manager putting his spin on a sexual harassment policy, as an example - much of the HR role is transforming itself. The role of the HR manager must parallel the needs of his changing organization. Successful organizations are becoming more adaptable, resilient, quick to change direction, and customer-centered. Within this environment, the HR professional, who is considered necessary by line managers, is a strategic partner, an employee sponsor or advocate, and a change mentor. Strategic Partner In today's organizations, to guarantee their viability and ability to contribute, HR managers need to think of themselves as strategic partners. In this role, the HR person contributes to the development of and the accomplishment of the organization-wide business plan and objectives. The HR business objectives are established to support the attainment of the overall strategic business plan and objectives. The tactical HR representative is deeply knowledgeable about the design of work systems in which people succeed and contribute. This strategic partnership impacts HR services such as the design of work positions; hiring; reward, recognition, and strategic pay; performance development and appraisal systems; career and succession planning; and employee development. Employee Advocate As an employee sponsor or advocate, the HR manager plays an integral role in organizational success via his knowledge about and advocacy of people. This advocacy includes expertise in how to create a work environment in which people will choose to be motivated, contributing, and happy. Fostering effective methods of goal setting, communication, and empowerment through responsibility builds employee ownership of the organization. The HR professional helps establish the organizational culture and climate in which people have the competency, concern, and commitment to serve customers well. In this role, the HR manager provides employee development opportunities, employee assistance programs, gainsharing and profit-sharing strategies, organization development interventions, due process approaches to problem-solving, and regularly scheduled communication opportunities. Change Champion The constant evaluation of the effectiveness of the organization results in the need for the HR professional to frequently champion change. Both knowledge about and the ability to execute successful change strategies make the HR professional exceptionally valued. Knowing how to link change to the strategic needs of the organization will minimize employee dissatisfaction and resistance to change. The HR professional contributes to the organization by constantly assessing the effectiveness of the HR function. He also sponsors change in other departments and in work practices. To promote the overall success of his organization, he champions the identification of the organizational mission, vision, values, goals, and action plans. Finally, he helps determine the measures that will tell his organization how well it is succeeding in all of this.
From India, Bhopal
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The evolving role of Human Resources professionals in modern organizations encompasses strategic partnership, employee advocacy, and change management. To adapt to the changing needs of organizations, HR managers must align themselves with the overall business objectives, design effective work systems, and foster a positive work environment. As employee advocates, HR managers play a crucial role in promoting employee motivation, development, and well-being. Additionally, as change champions, HR professionals need to lead organizational change initiatives, link change strategies to strategic goals, and evaluate the effectiveness of HR functions. By fulfilling these roles effectively, HR professionals contribute significantly to organizational success and employee satisfaction.
From India, Gurugram
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