Best Answer
Strategic human resource management refers to a specific approach that must human resource (HR) practitioners take to handling a company’s employees (human resources). Strategic human resource management is a philosophy of management, not a defined approach, so it is possible for different HR professionals to take varied approaches and still fit under the umbrella of strategic human resource management. In fact, it is not only possible, but probably necessary, given that HR needs do differ according to the type of profession, the working environment, the size of an organization, and the demographics of the workforce. Generally, strategic human resource management refers to any approach to HR that looks at how HR management can contribute to an organization’s long-term objectives.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, there are four steps that a strategic human resource management practitioner has to consider when implementing any HR policies. These steps are: assessing the current situation, envisioning the future, developing strategic HR objectives, and monitoring and evaluating.
Understanding these steps can help people understand four of the important implications of strategic HR management. Assessing the current situation involves a realistic look at the current state of the company, which is often accomplished by a SWOT analysis. Envisioning the future is where the HR professional liaises with upper management to see where they want the company to be. Based on that information, the HR professional works with executives and managers to determine how their human assets can be optimized to help the company reach its goals and objectives. Sometimes these strategies do not work out as envisioned, which is why monitoring and evaluating results is a critical strategy. If they are not working out as intended, the HR professional must be flexible enough to change their approach in order to optimize the workforce.
