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May 16th 2013

Developing Commercial Acumen for the HR Function

Written By

  • Tags
  • Being an HR Director
  • Commercial Acumen
  • Competitive Strategy
  • Global Strategy
  • HR Models
  • Performance Management
  • Strategic Workforce Planning
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Wellbeing

HR often has to justify itself over its role, its output and its added value. In some cases this is deserved as we become involved in unsubstantiated opinion, fads and fashions, are reluctant to use data or are unable to evaluate our initiatives.

This report is written from the viewpoint that we believe that HR functions can make a substantial contribution to improved organisation effectiveness and business strategy. Using a combination of survey data and other research, this report looks at the subject of business acumen in relation to current and future HR functions, and the importance of this to overall business performance.

Topics covered by this report include:
• Defining commercial acumen and why it’s so important in achieving business goals
• The current context of HR functions and their commercial acumen
• Key characteristics of commercially astute employees
• Skills and knowledge synonymous with business acumen
• The role of HR functions in developing a commercial culture
• How should HR functions demonstrate business acumen?

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May 16th 2013

Executive Summary: Developing Commercial Acumen for the HR Function

This executive summary gives an overview of the full CRF research report – Developing Commercial Acumen for the HR Function. This report looks at how HR often has to justify itself over its role, its output and its added value. In some cases, this is deserved as we become involved in unsubstantiated opinion, fads and fashions, are reluctant to use data or are unable to evaluate our initiatives. Developing commercial acumen for the HR function in an organisation enables them to more effectively align with business objectives and priorities.

  • Tags
  • Commercial Acumen
  • Performance Management
Read Executive Summary