For Paula

For this discussion, you will assume the following:

You currently are the HR manager of a mid-sized organization which is characterized as somewhat traditional in terms of the role HR is expected to play.   In other words, the HR department is currently seen as primarily a staffing function, there to provide advice and fulfill personnel functions.   Recently, however, your board of directors has asked you to inform them as to what strategic human resource management is all about and how you see your HR department (and its functions and subsequent activities) transforming to such a new role as a strategic partner.  Your company decided to transform the HR role from a traditionalist function to that of a strategic partner in the organization. 

It has been five years since you have transformed to your knew strategic role.  The board of directors would like you to provide evidence of how you have adapted to this new role.  What type of documentation would you show them?   (Hint:  documentation of low turnover rates and/or documentation of effective training and development, etc.) 

Completion of this discussion assignment will illustrate your comprehension of the HR functions and corresponding activities and how an effective HR manager can utilize people as a capital asset for the organization.