Discussion One: Describe, (but using the course material provided):

a) What internal and external factors have influenced the Human Resource Management function over the past ten years toward serving in the role of a strategic partner or leader in the organization? Discuss some positive and negative contextual influences that will continue to impact the HR function from today forward.

b) Explain what it means to be an effective HR strategic business partner. Why is it important for HR to be involved in all aspects of the strategic planning process? Discuss one example of a human resource management strategy that supports an organizational strategy.