HR BUSINESS PARTNERING
CIPD issues guidance on HR business partnering
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has revised its factsheet examining HR business partnering.
This factsheet gives introductory guidance. It:
introduces HR business partnering and its origins
considers why organisations are moving towards this model for HR
provides advice on appointing and developing business partners
summarises the implications for HR careers
includes the CIPD viewpoint.
%ADVERT%
A final word
“The key value of Ulrich’s model does not lie in outlining new structures but in his analysis of HR roles. Business partnering refocuses attention on some basic issues about how HR is to achieve its aims: supporting line managers, aligning HR activities with the business and delivering efficient services. However, partnering is not simply a repackaging of good HR practice. Partnering is a ‘paradigm shift’ for most HR functions, one that requires a step change in HR’s values, operation and skills. The function must ensure that it has the right structures and roles in place to meet organisational and employee needs rather than slavishly following a specific model because it seems fashionable to do so.
Many of today’s interpretations of partnering could mean a diminution of Ulrich’s ‘employee champion’ role. Some writers have commented how HR, with its increasing allegiance to strategic business partnering, is taking its eye off employee needs. There is uncertainty in many organisations about who, if anyone, is responsible for promoting employee engagement.” - Factsheet: HR business partnering, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Want to know more?
Title: Factsheet: HR business partnering, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, revised October 2008.
Availability: To download the factsheet, free of charge, go to www.cipd.co.uk/onlineinfodocuments/factsheets.htm.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has more than 130,000 members and is the “leading professional institute for those involved in the management and development of people”. To find out more visit www.cipd.co.uk.