Final Reflection
A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.
-Frederick Douglass (Douglass, 1999)
Like a great nation, an organization can only grow and succeed when the individuals with it take the time to reflect on lessons learned.
Throughout this course, you have been given the opportunity to explore many topics related to how HR departments can become more strategically linked to organizations. Now it is time to reflect on what you have examined in this course through your Discussions and
Assignments and Instructor feedback. Through reflections that includes observation, synthesis, and analysis, not only HR professionals, but every employee in an organization reaps the benefits.
For this Reflection:
Consider how your view of the HR profession as a strategic partner within an organization has changed since the beginning of the course.
Reflect on practical applications of Human Resources as a strategic business partner.
Consider how the various functions of HR support the strategy of an organization.
Consider how insights gained in the course will have an impact on your career.
Summarize what you learned from the Learning Resources, Assignments, and Discussion activities throughout the course. Explain how you could apply the course concepts to strengthen the role of Human Resources as a strategic contributor to an organization's strategy, mission, and/or vision.
Use references with APA formatting as needed.
For this Assignment, use the Week 6 Assignment Template (located in this week's Learning Resources).
Learning Resources
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Required Resources
Readings
Stewart, G. L., & Brown, K. G. (2014). Human resource management: Linking strategy to practice(3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
Chapter 3, "Ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and Safety" (pp. 76-115)
This chapter examines how a manager can implement a strategic decision-making process when carrying out their responsibilities to recognize and respect employee rights and guidelines. Specific laws pertaining to employee rights as well as the legal obligations of the employer and employee are also discussed. Further on, the provides insights into employee safety issues.
Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider what encompasses employee rights, employer obligations, and providing a safe working environment.
Chapter 13, "Working Effectively with Labor" (pp. 496-535)
This chapter identifies the major issues involving today's labor unions and the various roles and objectives these unions have. You will be introduced to the laws that regulate the relations between unions and management as well as the collective bargaining process. Problem solving roles, union-busting, and union avoidance techniques will also be examined.
Focus on the definitions provided throughout the chapter. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Examine the strategic choices that face unions as well as what bargaining techniques are used to try to satisfy both unions and management. Consider what strategies a manager and organization can employ that would make a union unnecessary.
Chapter 14, "Aligning Strategy with Practice" (pp. 536-568)
Human resources practices may contribute to an organization's effectiveness.