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SPHR · Question #181

An HR director has been hired by a high-technology business that has been growing at a rapid rate. There are 300 professional employees in manufacturing and 80 in clerical and laboratory support. Ther

The correct answer is D. Identify the highest-priority human resource issues that support the organization's strategy. In an emerging HR function, the first strategic priority is to align HR practices with the organization's overall goals and growth trajectory. Rather than jumping into tactical fixes (e.g., surveys, pay studies), SPHR-level professionals start with strategic assessment: What HR i

Business Management & Strategy

Question

An HR director has been hired by a high-technology business that has been growing at a rapid rate. There are 300 professional employees in manufacturing and 80 in clerical and laboratory support. There has been no formal human resource function in the past, with each department head controlling the hiring, salary adjustments, and other details. The president wants the new director to identify the key areas of importance. Which of the following is the new director's first obligation?

Options

  • AConduct an internal salary equity study to ensure fairness
  • BConduct an attitude survey to gauge employee perceptions
  • CDetermine the highest-priority human resource issues and write policies to cover them
  • DIdentify the highest-priority human resource issues that support the organization's strategy

How the community answered

(54 responses)
  • A
    6% (3)
  • B
    13% (7)
  • C
    2% (1)
  • D
    80% (43)

Explanation

In an emerging HR function, the first strategic priority is to align HR practices with the organization's overall goals and growth trajectory. Rather than jumping into tactical fixes (e.g., surveys, pay studies), SPHR-level professionals start with strategic assessment: What HR issues most directly impact the company's ability to scale, compete, and deliver? Extract from HRCI-aligned HR knowledge (Leadership and Strategy domain): SPHR-level HR leaders must "analyze business strategy and align HR programs accordingly." The key to success in newly formed or growing organizations is to identify HR priorities that support the business plan, such as talent gaps, leadership development, compliance infrastructure, or scalable compensation systems.

Topics

#HR strategy#strategic alignment#organizational assessment#HR function development

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