Question

Which of the following best describes HR's primary contribution to an organization's strategic plan?

A. HR serves the needs of the entire organization as subject-matter experts (SMEs).
B. HR provides the executive team with a menu of administrative tasks that it can execute more efficiently.
C. HR interprets various HR metrics for the executive team to show how HR creates value to the organization.
D. HR utilizes its "seat at the table" to share how additional HR staff can support the organization by providing better customer service.

Answer 1

HR's primary contribution to an organization's strategic plan is as a subject-matter expert, leading recruitment, minimizing hiring bias, and fostering a cooperative culture that aligns with the company's strategic goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary contribution of Human Resources (HR) to an organization's strategic plan is to serve the needs of the entire organization as subject-matter experts. In this role, HR leads the recruitment process, carefully reviewing candidates' credentials, and assisting in making informed hiring decisions that support the strategic goals of the company. For instance, when a company had an open position, the HR manager mobilized the hiring team to start the recruitment process, vetting applications like Imani's and advising the department manager on selecting the best candidates for interviews.

Additionally, HR plays a crucial part in minimizing bias in the hiring process, thereby contributing to equal opportunity programs, supporting a diverse and competent workforce, which is vital for organizational success. By professionalizing HR functions, larger organizations can reduce discrimination, as found in Canadian research on hiring biases against Asian-sounding names.

Finally, the evolution of manager/employee relationships towards a more cooperative dynamic underscores HR's importance in helping to create an environment that fosters such partnerships. HR's strategic planning involves fostering a culture that supports team members in achieving both personal career goals and the organization's broader objectives, aligning with the company's strategic vision.