Strategic Human Resource Management, 2nd Edition

4 HR competences and the HR function

DOI: 10.4324/9781003364276-5

In this chapter, we turn to an examination of research on the strategic contribution of the HR function itself. By ‘function’ here, we refer to the institutionalized forms which HR practice takes – usually in the form of some kind of departmental structure. Thus, we discuss the capabilities and competences of those who provide HR services (including both policy and practice) and we look at how the HR function is organized (e.g., centralized or decentralized; fragmented into separate sub-units or integrated; outsourced or in-house). There is a two-way relationship between HR ideas and the HR function. Emergent and dominant ideas shape the function's form and function; conversely, ...