l understand the strategic goals of the organization;
l appreciate the business imperatives and performance drivers relative to
these goals;l comprehend how sustainable competitive advantage can be obtained
through the human capital of the organization and know how HR prac-
tices can contribute to the achievement of strategic goals;l contribute to the development of the business strategy on an ‘outside-in’
basis as described in Chapter 4 by emphasizing how the organization’s
distinctive human resources can make an impact;l contribute to the development for the business of a clear vision and a set
of integrated values;l ensure that senior management understands the HR implications of its
business strategy;l be aware of the broader context (the competitive environment and the
business, economic, social and legal factors that affect it) in which the
organization operates;l understand the kinds of employee behaviour required successfully to
execute the business strategy;l think in terms of the bigger and longer-term picture of where HR should
go and how to get there;l believe in and practise evidence-based management;
l be capable of making a powerful business case for any proposals on the
development of HR strategies.THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF HEADS OF HR FUNCTIONS
The strategic role of heads of HR functions is fundamentally the same for
their function as that of HR directors for the whole organization. They
promote the achievement of the organization’s business goals by developing
and implementing functional strategies that are aligned with the business
strategy and integrated with the strategies for other HR functions and adopt
a strategic approach in the sense of ensuring that HR activities support the
business and add value. To carry out this role heads of HR functions should:
l understand the strategic goals of the organization as they affect their
function;l appreciate the business imperatives and performance drivers relative to
these goals;l help senior management to understand the implications of its strategy for
the HR function;l know how HR practices in the function can contribute to the achievement
of the strategic goals;The strategic role of HR l 77