A Better Way to Re-organise HR

A Better Way to Re-organise HR (S14)
This paper, based on a meeting held at the National Liberal Club on 18^th July 2002, looks at how we can re-organise the Human Resource function purposefully and coherently for the future rather than merely copying trends or reacting piecemeal. We consider two perspectives. Firstly, we look at the context of the way organisations are changing in response to the new business models and technologies lying ahead in the 21^st century. Secondly, we look at the Human Resource function as an organisation from the outside and apply the same design process as for other functions. We then draw some conclusions from the exercise.
The paper looks at hierarchies, systems and people; organisations, structures and culture. If we differentiate between short term and longer term objectives, this may signal some features that we can use in reviewing the design of the function. Review models were devised. Some short term changes can be made to administrative (payroll and transactional) services, but the critical value added to the business through cultural changes and so on will require a different level of thinking.
The discussion and conclusions draw on the illuminating work undertaken by members at the meeting. This has also been edited and extended somewhat without altering the thrust of the arguments.

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