Strategic Human Resource Management

What does the programme cover?
The only real sustainable source of competitive advantage an organisation has is its people.

This is now an accepted assertion. We look at what it actually means. Together, we look at:

• The HR role in formulating a winning strategy.
• How to get beyond mere doing to really shaping and influencing change.
• How to personally rise above the day to day to understand which select initiatives will help your organisation grow and flourish.
• The structures, processes and organisation culture you need and how to get them.

What will I learn?
The programme encourages you to analyse your current performance and establish where changes are required - personally, as a function, and in your organisation.

How will my organisation benefit?
This programme will help you focus on the overall business strategy of your organisation so that in HR terms, you can create more value in areas that actually matter.

By managing your human resources strategically, aligned with the overall business strategy, you will be able to influence your organisation's ability to stay ahead of the game - competitive advantage through people.

What makes this programme different?

• This is a highly interactive programme with no passive theory sessions. Instead you will debate and challenge corporate strategy and appropriate HR response in the company of fellow practitioners.
• We stretch and challenge you.
• It gives you time to reflect, a fresh insight and clear focus.
• You will gain access to Ashridge's award winning Virtual Learning Resource Centre.
• A tailored 360° feedback instrument and personal coaching.
• The virtual community facility will allow you to maintain valuable networks established on the programme.
• The inspirational surroundings of Ashridge will stimulate your creativity and your ability to look at things from a different angle!

Programme Content

The programme will stretch you by giving you a wider perspective of the role of HR in business.

Rather than dealing with the detailed aspects of HR processes, you will spend time looking at 'big picture' issues of strategic intent and strategic alignment.

So we won't be discussing how to run an effective recruitment campaign. Instead you will be asked to take the perspective of a CEO, looking at the whole business. This will strengthen your ability to make a sound business case for HR, one which actually makes a difference to the performance of the organisation.

You can look forward to a high level of interaction and lively discussion, amassing fresh insight, not only from the tutorial team, but also from the perspectives of fellow participants from different industries, public, private and not for profit organisations, and from different countries.

HRM and strategic HRM

• What is special about strategic human resource management?
• How strategic is human resource management in practice?

Strategic concepts and tools

• How strong is your grasp of strategic concepts in general?
• How does the strategy driving the organisation or business unit affect HR practice?

Making HR more influential

• How do you develop an influencing strategy and get people to agree?
• What does it take to make HR an equal player at board level?

Aligning HR with strategy

• What does it mean?
• How do you design organisation units to deliver strategy?
• How do you develop appropriate cultures and value systems?

Developing an HR strategy and plan

• What are your current HR activities?
• What future HR approaches would work in the light of new strategic directions?

Making HR implementation happen

• What are the potential barriers?
• How do you diagnose resistance to change?
• What are the steps to a successful HR strategy?

The future of the HR function

• What are the implications of the above for the work of the HR function?
• What are the key triggers for HR change?
• What are the future trends, the new roles, competences and skills for the HR professional?

Programme Features

You will generally work in small groups, designed to support and challenge you.

We use major case studies to stimulate discussion and bring the theoretical side to life.

A 360 degree questionnaire uniquely designed for HR professionals will give you a clear view of your personal strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement on a range of HR competences. In addition you will receive one-to-one coaching from your tutors.

You will return to your workplace with a clear action plan for enhancing your personal contribution to the business, as well as the overall contribution of HR.

It's a busy week!