Discussion: HR/Organization Alignment and Global Conditions

HR/ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT AND GLOBAL CONDITIONS
Student’s Name:
Institution:
Submission Date:
Introduction
Human resource function is an important sector in any organization. It defines major approaches and strategies in an organization, especially on labor, policies, and practices. On the other hand, strategic plans in an organization entail all the strategies that an organization embarks on to achieve their goals and mission. It is also an organization’s strategic plan that articulates its vision. This paper will look at the main reason why human resource functions should be aligned with an organization’s strategic plan. Secondly, the paper will look at Maersk’s current human resource practices, and how these practices are impacted upon by current global conditions.
First and foremost, it is important to note that a lot of changes have occurred in business environments as a result of globalization (Hoffman, 2008). In this context, therefore, there are emerging technologies that dictate the alignment and involvement of human resource functions in an organization’s strategic plan. For example, it is important to integrate human resource management in the decision-making processes of such organizations undergoing globalization and adoption of new technologies. Importantly, though, many organizations usually develop their strategic plans based on several factors that include: global economic conditions, changes in market conditions, competition, labor trends, and industrial restructuring. These factors inform the direction the organization in question will take, and therefore form the foundation of its strategic plan. The same factors are well-rooted in human resource. All policies and strategies in an organization are developed in line with the human resource in mind. In reality, all the components of human resource must be considered before laying out an effective strategic plan. Therefore, for an organization to realize an effective and profitable business strategy, the human resource functions must align with its strategic plan.
Maersk’s Case
Current global conditions have impacted on how Maersk, a global conglomerate, carries out its human resource practices. Of major importance is the talent management process change that the company has undertaken. This change in the talent management process has had a major turnaround effect – positively – compared to past human resource practices. For example, in its quest to remain competitive and relevant acr...