Is HR a Business Driver or Just a Support Role? Let's Discuss Your Views

Dear All,

Recently, one person asked me whether HR is a business function or a support function. This query was a bit confusing as I always believe HR is a support function that helps businesses to grow, but mostly people think of HR as a business function. Please comment and suggest.

Regards,
Narendra

Hi Narendra,

If the HR has a business leader who will be able to guide them and lead them on all aspects of HR, then HR can be a support function; otherwise, it's a business function. Mostly, it's the second case as the first case is practically least possible.

Regards,
Vijayakumar

Hi Neha,

HR is, of course, a business function. Now the point is whether it's a LINE function or STAFF function. To my understanding and experience, HR is a core staff function that plays a pivotal role in enabling the Line functions to perform well, ultimately yielding business goals. If you still have any doubts, feel free to discuss or debate on it.

Thanks,
Neha
Email: neha_sahay1@rediffmail.com

HR can be simultaneously both challenging and rewarding; it depends on how the HR person engages in the business field. However, it leans more towards the support function.

Regards, Yousuf

I agree that HR is a support function until and unless the company is in HR outsourcing business.

Hello All,

The Human Resources role is to provide overall company assistance and guidance with the execution of the company's missions, values, and ethics, while ensuring we have the right people in the right job at the right time. Unless and until we change the view of HR as contributing to business results, nothing will change. The HR systems are just some of the tools we can use to provide factual data to support our contributions.

All of us, as HR practitioners, have a responsibility for a change in mindset. Many HR professionals do not look at their purpose as being strategic, which in itself creates an aura that HR is driving administration, not the strategy of the organization. If we are aligned with the strategy and held accountable for the business results, we will be able to increase our value within the organization while increasing the ability to execute and deliver on business results.

My thoughts for reflection,

Jo Verde
Senior Director
JeMM Consultants

Dear All,

I agree with Jo, Sir. HR, in fact, contributes to both functions. As HR plays a valuable role in formulating various strategic business policies, it is considered a business function. However, mostly HR provides support for the smooth functioning of the business; we can say HR is a support function.

More comments, please.

Regards,
Sree

I too agree with Jo.

You have to view HR not as a mere support function (though its role as such is tremendously important) but also as having a strategic impact on the organization's success. If the HR community realized this, it would not only strengthen their commitment but also their motivation by seeing themselves as an integral part of the organization's strategic alliance.

So the HR community has a unique dual role to play - supportive and strategic. If it succeeds in honoring both commitments, great!

Jeroo