HR directors as strategic business partners

CEOs are seeking ways to use human resource (HR) departments more efficiently to enhance corporate profits in the highly competitive business climate of the late 1990s. The most successful HR professionals have made themselves and their units strategic business assets within their organizations and become vital contributors to the business mission. A scrutiny of these successful HR directors and units will show that they are using eight fundamental 'best' practices in becoming strategic business partners. These eight include understanding the business, having a solid grasp of the internal organizational environment, achieving personal credibility, managing costs, aligning HR practice with the business strategy, attracting and retaining the best workers, avoiding lawsuits and being change agents.