Recently, ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program aired a show on an unusual electoral process in Italy which grants native Italians living abroad the right to stand for elections in their mother country
By Yemee Fernandes
Recently, ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program aired a show on an unusual electoral process in Italy which grants native Italians living abroad the right to stand for elections in their mother country. This controversial but innovative process gives Italians a voice and opportunity to drive change in their homeland, despite the fact that they have settled abroad. To me, this demonstrated how the world is contracting. We are global citizens and deserve a platform where our voice can be heard, unhindered by bureaucracy or borders.
This initiative should be an inspiration to HR. By working with different functions across an organisation, HR can drive change and play a key role in the growth of a business, unhindered by company politics or management bureaucracy. By being innovators and drivers of change, HR can create a platform which will allow the function to direct organisational transformation.
Change may not be easy to bring about. However, it is necessary to drive organisational growth and assist in achieving business goals. HR can play a key role in working with management and employees when it comes to facilitating change, but this can only be achieved through open and honest communication.
HR professionals need to examine themselves in this process. Are we refining our communication skills? Are we encouraging transparent and open dialogue between a company’s internal stakeholders? Or, do we have our heads down, shuffling papers and telling Joe Bloggs to come back another time with his job application. Are we becoming bound to bureaucratic forms rather than actual reform?
The HR function is undergoing significant change itself, and HR professionals who not only can keep up with this but assist their business in riding the crest of change deserve recognition.
Human Resources magazine, through the Australian HR Awards 2006, would like to know how you or your company are handling change. The Awards, held in Sydney in September, give the profession an opportunity to showcase and promote best HR practice.
For more information on the Australian HR Awards 2006, including details of how to nominate, please visit www.hrawards.com.au.
