The strategic HR role: Do Australian HR professionals have the required skills?

HR professionals have been encouraged to make a greater strategic contribution to their organizations for many years. The literature suggests, however, that in general progress has been limited both in Australia and internationally. An important issue is whether HR professionals have the range of skills needed to be effective in a strategic role and what these may be. Based on 360 degree feedback from 1005 colleagues of 197 senior Australian HR managers, this paper explores the qualities needed to operate strategically. The results indicate that Australian HR managers can develop many of the skills required but some areas still need further improvement.