What do you understand by the term ‘strategic human resource management’? Discuss the role of the HRM department in the strategic planning process?
Wong Ka Ki 12119633D
In most of the organizations nowadays, people are recognized as the vital assets. Hence, the intangible value of the organization relating to the employees including their knowledge, skills and abilities and its human resource management (HRM) strategies are becoming increasingly crucial. In order to achieve the goal of the company, human resource department should not be overlooked. In this paper, strategic human resource management will be discussed and the role of HRM department in the strategic planning process will be examined through real life examples.
Definition of Strategic Human Resource Management
Strategic human resource management (HRM) is a link between HRM and strategic management process of the company. The meaning of strategic could refer to the linkage between the systematically designed HR activities and the analysis of the business and its context (Sondhi, V. & Nirmal, P.S. 2013). For example, when a small enterprise intends to extend its business by opening more stores, more employees will be needed for daily operation. In this case, HRM department will be informed to conduct recruitment. Therefore, it is possible that strategic HRM is useful in gaining or maintaining competitive advantages of an organization (M. Anca-ioana 2013).
Discussion of the Role of HRM Department in Strategic Planning Process
Strategic planning is a decision-making process about an organization’s business strategies or long-term goals. In a considerable amount of companies especially SMEs, HRM department was usually considered to be responsible with administrative work in this process (Hargis, M.B. & Bradley, D. B. III 2011). However, it is a key element to the success. The role of HRM department in strategic planning process is