Human Resource Roles and Responsibilities

In today's modern world Human Resource roles and responsibilities include far more than managing compensation and benefits. Human Resource departments are now looked on and valued as strategic business partners in their organizations. In a world where administrative skills used to be enough; human resources now demand a skill mix that also includes consulting, coaching, and communication, along with a broad understanding of the business plan. Increasingly, organizations will seek HR professionals who can align HR strategy with business strategy (Bundy, 1997, p. 3). In this paper I will review Human Resource roles and responsibilities in response to trends in globalization, technology, diversity, e-business and ethics.

Trends in globalization

Human Resource professionals are increasing their scope when it comes to searching for talent. Globalization has enabled HR professionals to seek candidates from around the world. This trend towards globalization brings up several new factors to consider when hiring employees. For example, HR practices must take into consideration differences in culture and business practices.

Society for Human Resource Management

A few issues of SHRM's monthly publication HR Maga...

201305145-OHRM-RBN-8054

It would be a mistake to send someone who has been an excellent manager in one country to a brand new country and expect him to be as successful as he was in his own country. Before selecting employees to work in another country, HR must take into consideration the employee's ability to understand and respect the cultural and business norms of the host country. In addition, even hiring at home may involve selecting employees from other countries. It is estimated by 2006 immigrants will likely account for an additional million persons in the U.S. workforce (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 2004, p 23).

Technology

Leading today's HR function involves much more than having the right programs in place for employees and managers. Now, one of HR's most important responsibilities is leveraging technology and the Internet to...