Human Resources and the Business Environment Research Paper by Research Group

This paper examines how as the business environment in which most companies operate has changed, the role of the human resource function has changed, as well. It looks at how human resource professionals used to serve as personnel specialists who worked largely outside the realm of strategic management and how they are now an integral part of the strategic focus of a company. It evaluates how human resource professionals now take a proactive role in helping companies attract and retain the highest quality workers who are able to meet the needs of the organization not only in the immediate future, but over the long term. Human resource managers are in a unique position to bring change to organizations since they are increasingly being included in senior management and since they work closely with other managers as well as lower-level employees.

Outline
Introduction
Globalization
Managing the Expatriate
Reducing Costs
Competition
Increase in Service Sector Activity
Downsizing/Re-Engineering
Changing Demographics
Strategic Planning and Human Resources
Goal-Setting
Planning
Organizing
Profit Sharing
Executive Information Systems
Delegating
Organizational Culture and Ritual
Rituals as Barriers in Organizations
Culture and Standards of Behavior
Conclusion