HR Business Partner vs. Regular HR Role: What's the Real Difference?

Good morning all, nowadays, I am seeing a lot of job openings mentioning the required position of "HR Business Partner." What does it mean exactly? Is there any difference between this and a regular HR role? Please let me know.

The Evolution of HR Roles

These reflect the changing business expectations from the HR profession. To start with, organizations had an Administration Department to deal with people issues. Later, it became a Welfare or Employee Welfare Department. In the early stages of becoming a profession, it transformed into a Personnel Department or Personnel & Administration Department. As the HR dimension became crucial in organizations, it developed into Human Resource Management or HRM. So far, it has more or less remained a staff function, i.e., an advisory role. Now, it is seen as a business partner and is accorded equal status with other activity centers like production, marketing, sales, procurement, etc. The metamorphosis of the function becoming a key determinant of the business is reflected in the newer titles it has acquired.

Hi Hanuma, this is another facet of Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM), which is included in the syllabus of an MBA in HR degree. The responsibilities associated with this role go beyond traditional HR functions. It involves synchronizing with other departments such as administration, operations, HR, corporate planning, etc. A brief profile of the HR Business Partner (HR-BP) is attached for your reference.