One leading businesswoman has spoken out about the growing influence HRDs have over not only their own organization but entire industries.
"They have influence broader than their own organisation,” asserted Sue Parr, head of executive education at Open University Business School. “Their sectors are more widely about changing HR policies, learning and development process and the approach to talent management within the business," she continued.
In an interview with HR Magazine, Parr also said that businesses were best placed for success when HR strategies are interwoven into the “strategic objectives of the organization.”
She explained that HR is uniquely positioned to bring almost all aspects of a business together harmoniously.
"After all, HR people are known by everyone in the organisation,” she said. “They are the people that have the greatest reach and involvement. So their role is actually key to creating a degree of cohesion in the business too.”
Parr went on to remind HR directors of the power they have in their roles as leaders.
"HR directors play a crucial role in their own organisations, really pushing the culture and the values of those companies," she said. “I think in terms of what people want from leaders, it’s about authenticity, it’s about people that you can believe in and follow and who have vision."
Adrianne Sullivan-Campeau has long enjoyed success as an HR leader at the helm of one of Canada’s largest insurers – Allstate. The VP told HRM that the industry is finally enjoying at least some of the credit it deserves.
“This is an amazing time to be in HR,” she said. “The bodies of work that are coming out of our field right now are relevant and respected. We need to continue to be progressive and aggressive in our approach to people programs so we can remain ahead of emerging trends.”
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