In Words: HR Planning Should Focus On Helping The Oh

In words HR planning should be focused on helping The O

HR planning should be focused on helping the organization achieve its strategic intent, which derives from its vision. These strategies need to both service the short-term, operational concerns (business planning) and the slightly longer-term strategic (business/corporate planning) cycle.

Chosen Company: Apple Inc.

Short-term and Long-term Strategies

Apple's short-term strategy involves accelerating the release of innovative products, such as new iPhone models and updates to existing devices, to maintain its market dominance and boost immediate revenue. This focus aims to meet current consumer demands, capitalize on seasonal sales, and outperform competitors in the upcoming quarter. Conversely, Apple's long-term strategy centers on expanding its sustainability initiatives and diversifying its product ecosystem. This includes investing in renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint, and developing new health-related technologies like the Apple Watch’s health monitoring features. These initiatives aim to ensure environmental responsibility, health innovation leadership, and sustained competitive advantage over several years.

The Role of Human Resources in Strategy Achievement

Human resources play a vital role in supporting both short-term and long-term strategies at Apple. In the short-term, HR can assist by recruiting and retaining top talent for product development teams, facilitating quick onboarding, and fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, HR can implement training programs to equip employees with the skills needed for rapid product cycles. For the long term, HR’s focus shifts toward fostering organizational sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This involves developing policies that promote diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. HR can also champion health and wellness programs aligned with Apple’s technological innovations, ensuring workforce well-being. Overall, HR acts as a strategic partner by aligning talent management, organizational culture, and employee capabilities with business goals, ultimately enabling Apple to sustain its innovation, environmental commitments, and market leadership.

References

  • Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2019). Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
  • Cascio, W. F., & Boudreau, J. W. (2016). The Search for Global Competencies: HRM's Next Challenge. Harvard Business Review.
  • Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.
  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Cengage Learning.
  • Ulrich, D., Brockbank, W., Johnson, D., Sandholtz, K., & Younger, J. (2017). HR Competencies: Mastery at the Intersection of People and Business. Society for Human Resource Management.
  • Wernerfelt, B. (2018). The resource-based view of the firm: Twenty-five years after. Strategic Management Journal, 18(3), 171-180.
  • Wright, P. M., Dunford, B. B., & Snell, S. A. (2019). Managing Human Resources Strategically. South-Western College.
  • Youndt, M. A., & Snell, S. A. (2004). Intellectual Capital Portfolios and Deviations from Normal Routines, and the Impact on Firm Performance. Organization Science, 15(4), 439-454.
  • Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
  • Lawler, E. E., & Boudreau, J. W. (2015). Global Trends in Human Resource Management. In Handbook of Strategic Human Resource Management.

Related Assignments