HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING AND BUSINESS STRATEGY: THE CASE OF PRESS CORPORATIONS LIMITED

Abstract

It is argued that HR creates a competitive advantage of an organisation. This is done by HRP translating business strategy and organisational goals into HR requirements of skills and competences. This study analysed the link between Human Resource Planning and Business strategy. The study was predominantly qualitative. The study used key informant interviews and desk research to collect data. Data was analysed using thematic themes. The central argument in this study is that Human Resource Planning helps in resourcing strategy, making sure that there is a continuous flow of talented people who are innovative and creative in order to create a competitive advantage and achieve organisational goals. The study findings established that there is a vertical integration between human resource planning and business strategy. The study revealed that PCL uses emergent human resource plans which include resourcing, retention and downsizing. The study also noted that PCL practised an entrepreneurial mode of strategy which involves vision and concept attainment. The study further established that PCL practises a top-down approach to HR strategy making. Through the HRP process and by linking it to HRM and Business strategy, HRP has helped PCL Group of Companies to maintain its leadership role in the private sector, by nurturing profitable operations to ensure sustainable growth in market share. This was implemented through various HR plans which were developed such as redundancy plan and business strategies such as innovation and creativity. Among the challenges of Human Resource Planning the study noted that PCL’s main challenge is that plans are solely left in the hands of the Group Chief Executive Officer.