COMPREHENSIVE CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Why is the global economy and increased competition changing the role of HR departments? In the past a company could develop and maintain a competitive advantage by having more capital, acquiring better technology, and/or by producing higher quality products or services than its competitors. In a global economy, capital is more available and technology and product superiority can be duplicated through reverse engineering in short time periods. In tomorrow’s world, a company’s only competitive advantage will be the quality and excellence of its employees. This puts responsibility on the HR department to become a strategic partner with other departments in acquiring and developing the best personnel.

What tactics might HR departments pursue to better communicate with employees? HR should use the standard communication vehicles such as mailings, the company magazine, bulletin boards, and periodic meetings…. HR should develop a detailed strategic plan which outlines HR’s responsibility in helping the company to achieve its business goals HR must learn to sell itself to every level of the company.

How might HR build closer relationships with managers? HR should develop a detailed strategic plan that outlines HR’s responsibility in helping the company and the respective departments to achieve their goals. This plan should contain measures to determine how HR is meeting its responsibilities HR should periodically meet with the various managers and demonstrate the progress they are making HR should periodically update managers on complaints, concerns, etc. that they have resolved for employees in their departments and how this has resulted in better morale and increased productivity.