Page of People

Executive Summary

The convergence between the challenges confronting business, the need for top talent to deliver, and the emerging shortage of just that talent calls for 3G HRM that is strategic, influential and credible. Still young, the Human Resources profession has been evolving over the past three decades. The first generation of HR, 'Personnel Administration', remains the foundation of the function across organisations of all sizes, and is predominantly a support role, providing the core administrative transactional HR services. Second generation 'Human Resources Management' meant working more closely with the line managers to truly understand their challenges. Generalist HR managers are the major interface between HR and the business unit. They are Business Partners, developing HR systems that facilitate the implementation of business plans.

"3G HRM" - this Strategic Partner role is expected to contribute to business strategy at the organisational level, based on considerations of human capital, organisational capabilities, readiness and strategically differentiating HR practices. This role is NOT about implementation but about thought leadership in the people management space. All three levels of service provided by the HR function are integral to customer satisfaction and organisational success, however the greatest impact can be had when the function is truly strategic in its thoughts and actions.