HR’s ever-emerging contribution

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the future contribution of human resources (HR) in three areas: first, the evolution of four waves of HR value creation leading to an outside-in focus. Second, HR insights about individual competence (talent), leadership and organization capabilities (culture). Third, creating more effective HR departments and upgrading HR professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The author, Dave Ulrich, has worked extensively on HR theory, research and practice. This paper synthesizes and extends his (and others’) thinking about HR’s evolving contributions.

Findings

HR is not about HR, but about helping an organization succeed in the marketplace through talent, leadership and organization. HR departments can be assessed and improved based on nine dimensions and HR professionals can recognize and master competencies that help them deliver value.

Originality/value

Reading should come away recognize where HR can continue to contribute to individual and organizational success through thinking outside in, delivering HR agenda (talent, leadership and organization), and improving the HR department and upgrading HR professionals.

Citation

Ulrich, D. (2020), "HR’s ever-emerging contribution", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 251-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-08-2020-0071