HR has traditionally been viewed as a support or cost function. What needs to change for HR to be recognised as a genuine creator of business value?
RJ Looking at HR as a cost centre or support function is a conventional and narrow view, as the role of HR has emerged drastically. If some industries or professionals still view HR as a cost centre or support function, then it’s merely a perception issue which is to be changed. The responsibility to change the perception rests with HR only.
HR will stop being perceived as a support or cost function when it stops measuring its success primarily through HR ‘activities’ and starts measuring its contribution through business outcomes and ‘impact’ creation.
In my experience across diverse industries and business environments, the fundamental shift required is from “What did HR do?” to “What changed in the business because HR did it?” HR professionals should understand the business model, customers, technology, productivity drivers,...
