human resource

Critically evaluate the role and function of Human Resource departments within organizations and discuss ways that they can improve their strategic value to the organization with reference to case examples

Your Name

University /College Name

December 3 , 2007

Introduction (Human resource management is the process of acquiring , training appraising and compensating employees , and attending to their labor relations , health and safety , and fairness concerns

- Garry Dessler , Human Resource Management , Eastern Economy edition , Pg 2

Human resource function is a staff function responsible for assisting and advising line managers

in achieving the organization goals

An Organization must have HR departments for hiring the right person for the right job , low employee turnover , finding the best people in the organization , conduct useful tests and interviews in hiring employees take care of discriminatory actions in the court , establish and adopt laws and legislations framed by the government , provide training and other programs to improve the effectiveness of the organization , prevent unfair labor practices and pay salaries appropriately without any conflicts providing equal opportunity . Nowadays , equal opportunity has shifted to managing diversity

- Garry Dessler , Human Resource Management , Eastern Economy edition , Pg 2-5

The management of diversity goes beyond equal opportunity . Instead of merely allowing a greater range of people the opportunity to 'fit in ' or to be an honorary 'large , white male , the concept of diversity embodies the belief that people should be valued for their difference and variety . Diversity is perceived to enrich an organization 's human capital . Whereas equal opportunity focuses on various disadvantaged groups , the management of diversity is about individuals . It entails a minimization of cloning in selection and promotion procedures and a model aimed at finding flexible employees

Randy L . Desimone , Jon M . Werner and David M . Harris , Human Resource

Development , Pearson education , Pg .21-23

Role of Human Resource department

The traditional role of HR from hiring and firing employees ran the payroll department and administering the benefits program is gradually changing to a new level of selection , training and promotion . In olden days , HR department used to protect the company against labor law suits Today , HR 's role is shifting from protector and screener to strategic partner and change agent . Developing employees to be committed is the key success factor of HR department . The role of Human Resource departments is evolving to a strategic role . The emphasis is now on restructuring corporate culture and employee behavior . In this era of globalization , companies continuously change themselves to compete in the market . These companies help build competitive advantage by developing their human capital and HR department plays a crucial role in achieving this task . HR 's role as a strategic partner lies in aligning the department 's strategy with the organization 's strategy . The department must adopt a value chain approach to find the key success factors of the department contributing to the overall success of the organization . The HR department must formulate a strategic plan by identifying , analyzing , and balancing the company 's external opportunities and threats...