Strategic human resources management is a proactive human resources approach that connects people and human resources policies to an organization’s long-term goals. Human resources (HR) professionals lead many crucial initiatives that help to support and drive business success in alignment with those goals.
A human resources degree program builds the foundation for professionals in this field to develop strong, strategic decision-making skills by focusing on the development of leadership, communication and analytical skills. The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) in Human Resource Management program at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) teaches students to attract and retain highly qualified employees to help businesses flourish in today’s competitive job market.
What Is Strategic Human Resource Management?
Strategic human resource management is a key component of HR that focuses on aligning employee performance with company objectives. It is a practice that demonstrates that companies and their human resources managers view employees as key assets who help to drive growth, innovation and competitive advantage, rather than as “the cost of doing business.”
This important field integrates crucial HR practices, including hiring, training and employee evaluations, into an organization’s long-term strategy. It also encourages proactive workforce planning to support growth and innovation. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), strategic human resources management and planning uses measurable and observable performance targets and communications in an open, transparent manner to implement collaboration between employers and employees to achieve their primary objectives.
The Role of HR in Organizational Strategy
HR professionals design and execute policies that strengthen company culture, teamwork and employee accomplishments. These practices contribute to an organization’s strategic goals through employee training and development, workforce planning and performance management.
Professionals in this field keep up with the latest HR management trends and use data-driven insights to improve retention and engagement. They also build and maintain dynamic alliances between HR leaders and executive teams to support strong relationships and honest communication.
Understanding the Strategic HR Process
The purpose of the strategic human resource management process is to ensure that an organization’s HR practices align with its goals. This is important for businesses because it helps confirm that a company has the right people with the right skills to carry out its most important initiatives. HR strategic management explores each stage of the process from workforce planning to policy implementation. Aside from data analytics, the process also uses people analytics, or the analysis of data to gain better insights into the company’s workforce, to influence policies and find new growth opportunities.
The final step in the process involves evaluating outcomes to improve business strategy and decisions in the future. This fosters a positive company culture that supports and encourages the long-term success not just of the business, but of its employees. Overall, HR strategy supports long-term organizational success via strategic planning that combines both short-term planning and long-range strategy for stability and longevity.
Developing Strategic Leadership Skills Through Education
HR professionals can develop their strategic leadership skills through higher education programs with coursework that emphasizes leadership, communication and critical thinking. The online B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management program at NKU teaches students how to analyze and optimize a range of organizational structures. It also opens the door to higher-level, higher-paying careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more per year than those with a high school education.
The B.S.B.A. – Human Resource Management degree program focuses on topics like talent acquisition, workforce analytics and succession planning. Developing a diverse skillset gives students more opportunities to thrive and grow in their professional careers. NKU’s flexible online program prepares graduates to lead strategic HR initiatives across a wide range of industries. When you graduate, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of human resources planning, recruitment and selection activities.
Expand Your Human Resources Horizons
The online B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management program at NKU prepares graduates for exciting career opportunities, such as HR manager, training manager, recruitment specialist, benefits specialist and more. Through coursework focused on organizational behavior, talent development and employment law, you’ll gain the knowledge to build effective teams, foster a positive workplace culture and help an organization reach its goals for success.
NKU’s flexible program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Explore our website to learn more details about this program or start planning for your future in HR and apply online today.
