Human Resources Strategy

Research Paper # 105162

Business > Human Resources
Business > Management
Labor Studies

This paper looks at the importance of human resources strategy and different relevant options available.

1,945 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines the importance of the human resources strategy and looks at the necessary steps to formulate such a strategy. The writer then discusses human resources (HR) strategy, how to align the HR strategy to the business strategy and why and how best to do this. Furthermore, the writer describes the need for scanning the environment, the challenges in doing so and also the environmental factors that impact an organization. In addition, the writer discusses the different aspects of HR planning that encompass job analysis, forecasting, demand for human resources in an organization and the internal and external labor supply in the same organization. Finally the writer looks at the strategic options available to meet the necessary shortages or excesses in the workforce. The aspects discussed in this section are downsizing and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing and strategic international human resources management.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Importance of HR Strategy
Aligning HR with business Strategy
Environment Scanning
Evaluation of HR programs and policies
HR Planning
Job Analysis
Forecasting
Human Resources Demand
Labor Supply
Strategic Options
Downsizing & Restructuring
Mergers & Acquisitions
Outsourcing
Strategic International HRM
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In order to formulate an effective HR strategy it is essential to scan the environment the organization operates in. In this section we will be discussing the sources and methods used to scan the environment, the challenges involved, and environment factors."
"There are many different sources and methods that can be used to scan the environment. Publications, professional associations and professional consultants are some of the most popular sources used. Trend Analysis, Delphi Technique and Impact Analysis are some of the techniques that are very popular when scanning the environment."
"The inability to accurately predict the future is one of the main challenges of environment scanning. Isolating the critical from the insignificant is another challenge.
"There are many environment factors that can impact an organization. Some such factors are economic, technological, political, legislative, demographic, social and cultural factors."

Sample of Sources Used:

Adams, M. (2002). Making a merger work. HR Magazine, 47(3): 52-57.
Becker, B & Gerhart, B. (1996). The impact of human resources management on organizational performance. Academy of Management Journal, 39, 779-801.
Belcourt, M. & McBey, K.J. (2004). Strategic human resources planning (2nd ed.). Nelson Series in Human Resources. Thompson Canada.
Jackson, S. E. & Schuller, R.S. (1995). Understanding human resources management in the context of organizations and their environments. Annual Review of Psychology, 26, 237-264.
Meehan, R. & Ahmed, B.S. (1990). Forecasting human resources requirements: A demand model. Human Resources Planning, 13(4), 297-307.