Skills and competencies needs in HR to survive in tough economic climates
As the business world gets tough – so does the working environment for HR professionals. In a recent poll (CIPD April 09) members of the institute answered questions regarding the competencies believed to be most important to establishing the effectiveness and credibility of the HR function in the organisation.
The following results were identified as the priorities for HR professionals:
| Skill/ Competence: | Result |
| Effective management of change | 46 |
| Strategic thinking | 44 |
| Business knowledge | 36 |
| Influencing/political skills | 29 |
| Understanding of HR practices | 26 |
| Empathy/communication/listening skills | 23 |
| Creative practices/ ability to do more with less | 18 |
| Ability to deliver against targets | 17 |
| Integrity | 17 |
| Leadership ability | 14 |
| Willingness to innovate | 11 |
| Negotiating skills | 6 |
| Organisational design skills | 3 |
This is interesting as the HR profession does not believe that leadership or Innovation are important skills/ attributes to have. The low level of integrity is also worrying.
With only17% citing “ability to deliver against targets” as important guess which function will be seen as not strategically important and when the cuts bite deep…
This is a fascinating insight to what the profession feels is important.
I for one cannot see how anyone can be strategic without understanding and being able to be innovative. Certainly the recognition that knowing and understanding business processes is important, and at last the HR profession is starting to ‘partner’ in the true sense – but at what cost to our professionalism?
Not for one minute does the author believe that HR is corrupt or uncaring – but this does show what the results can be if a poll or survey asks forced choice questions – so when designing a survey – do it carefully!
Research ©CIPD 2009
RapidBI is an organizational effectiveness consultancy based in the UK but working internationally.
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10 Responses to “Skills and competencies needs in HR to survive in tough economic climates”
Comment from Enterprise Engmnt
Time August 7, 2009 at 18:03
RT @rapidbi: #CIPD research shows only 14% of HR think leadership important in tough economic times <see link great info
Comment from Enterprise Engmnt
Time August 7, 2009 at 18:05
This research shows that HR has EVERYTHING backward! – the bottom should be the top. via @rapidbi
Comment from Paul Hebert
Time August 7, 2009 at 18:06
RT @EEA_Org: This research shows that HR has EVERYTHING backward! – the bottom should be the top. via @rapidbi
Comment from Gary Gorman
Time August 7, 2009 at 21:49
RT@rapidbi Skills and competencies needs in HR to survive in tough economic climates: As the business ..
Comment from Annabel Kaye
Time August 10, 2009 at 09:40
RT @rapidbi: #CIPD research shows 83% of HR don’t think integrity important in tough economy I say they’re wrong
Comment from vince tracy
Time August 10, 2009 at 09:46
RT @rapidbi: #CIPD research shows that 83% of HR people do not think integrity is important in tough economic times
Comment from Jackie Cameron
Time August 10, 2009 at 10:24
Oh dear RT @rapidbi: #CIPD research shows 83% of HR people do not think integrity is important in tough economic times
Comment from Jackie Cameron
Time August 10, 2009 at 10:25
..also worrying how communication and listening is so low in the list Thanks to @rapidbi for highlighting
Comment from JoJo
Time August 10, 2009 at 11:27
RT @RapidBI #CIPD research shows that only 14% of HR people think leadership is important in tough economic times
Comment from Dorothy Dalton
Time August 10, 2009 at 11:37
RT @rapidbi: #CIPD research shows that only 14% of HR people think leadership is important in tough economic times
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