Transforming HR to a Strategic Business Partner: Meaning, Required Competencies; Mindset; Challenges and Prospects.

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the HR Strategic Business Partner (SBP). A well-designed SBP role coupled with excellent delivery of operational HR functions will go in a long way in bringing the HR to the table with other strategic management parties. Human Resources, as a discipline, has been going through a great deal of change in the past two decades. Phrases such as “business partner” and “getting a seat at the table” are common.

For HR to move up and command management attention as a business partner, some important factors and conditions must be in place ranging from a combination of having skills and knowledge in the areas of Human Resources, Organization Development, business acumen, global awareness and being in business partnership with the lines. However, once the competency profile is developed, it is also important to understand there are common tensions as an organization transitions from their current HR state to the use of an SBP model.

Keywords: HR Business Partner

JEL Classification: ED20