What is the Role of HR in Strategy?

With HR, the operational level is going to be the main focus. HR’s policies, programs, and processes will need to correlate, collaborate, and align with the organization’s business units. HR’s resources will need to be spent on activities that add value and assist the business units in fulfilling their work toward the strategic plans. It may be with workforce planning, talent development, or incentive compensation programs.

HR professionals need to develop strategic planning skills—which are discussed in the following sections—such as scanning the environment, formulating strategy, assessing risks, and setting SMART goals and objectives. This role that HR fulfills is the biggest growing role that organizations demand today, which is why the HR job title of HR business partner was created.

HR’s role includes building bridges with both internal and external stakeholders, where they exist. HR needs to view issues from differing perspectives and seek resolutions to help “bridge” the differing functions in a collaborative effort. There may be a policy within the payroll function of finance that conflicts with a new compensation incentive plan that is being developed with the sales unit to help account management personnel achieve goals that fit the strategic plan. The HR professional will need to view the two conflicting issues and seek a resolution for the best of the organization and its strategy.

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# What is the Role of HR in Strategy?

Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.