Week 1 - Discussion 1 - Strategic HR MGMT- DUE BY TODAY AT 10pm CST

Human Resources: From Traditional to Strategic

In the past, HR departments were seen as conduits for employee practices such as hiring, firing, and benefits. This narrow range of responsibilities is no longer enough, however. In today’s competitive workforce, it is critical that HR professionals and those for whom they are responsible for hiring bring skills that will help advance the strategic goals and objectives of their organizations (Stewart & Brown, 2014).

After reading the Learning Resources, reflect on the different strategies HR professionals use to cope with the multitude of challenges their organizations face every day. Consider also how current trends influence and cause these challenges.

With these thoughts in mind:

• Select at least one topic from the assigned chapters that is of particular interest to you related to traditional and strategic approaches to human resources management.
• Consider a real-world situation that relates to or could be addressed utilizing primary concepts from the assigned readings.

Post by Day 3 a substantive response of approximately 200–250 words that includes the following:

• Describe the topic you selected and explain how it relates specifically to strategic human resources management.
• Differentiate between traditional and strategic human resource approaches and explain your rationale.
• Describe a real-world situation that could be addressed utilizing primary concepts related to each approach (traditional or strategic) from the assigned readings.
• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and explain why they are strengths or weaknesses.

Use the Week 1 Discussion Template (located in this week’s Learning Resources) to develop a draft of your statement. Then, post your finalized statement to the Discussion Thread.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question related to your colleague’s chosen approach.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion regarding the colleague’s strength or weakness.
• Make a suggestion to your colleague about how to capitalize on a strength or overcome a weakness.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and the insights you gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

Be sure to support your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources and any additional sources.

Week 1 Learning Resources

This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned Learning Resources. To access select media resources, please use the media player below.

Required Resources

Readings

• Stewart, G. L., & Brown, K. G. (2014). Human resource management: Linking strategy to practice(3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
  • Chapter 1, “Creating Value Through Human Resources” (pp. 2­–36)
    
    In this chapter, you will explore the contributions HR departments make to an organization’s success. You will be introduced to the value of HR and the roles staff fulfills.
    
    Focus on the trends affecting human resource management. Reflect on the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the challenges for HR that did not previously exist. Ask yourself how HR may help organizations build strength and meet the needs of employees, owners, customers, and society.
  • Chapter 2, “Making Human Resource Management Strategic” (pp. 38–75)
    
    In this chapter, you will explore the philosophy and key factors of the strategic approach to HRM. You will also be introduced to the role of human resources in the development of a company's strategic plan and overall success.
    
    Focus on the philosophical strategies presented throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the steps involved in formulating strategies.