SHRM- Structure of the HR Function

Cosourcing

Arrangement in which an enterprise and a vendor share different tasks within a larger complex, often strategic responsibility

Shared Services HR Model

HR structural alternative in which centers with specific areas of expertise develop HR policies in those areas; each unit can then select what it needs from a menu of these services

HR Audit

Systematic and comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s HR policies, practices, procedures, and strategies

Center of Excellence (COE)

An organizational structure that leverages staff expertise in certain areas to improve the entire organization’s strategic performance

Outsourcing

Process by which an organization contracts with third-party vendors to provide selected services/activities instead of hiring new employees

Dedicated HR

an organizational design where specialized HR staff or embedded HR business partners are assigned directly to specific business units, divisions, or locations to address their unique strategic needs

Functional HR

HR structural alternative in which headquarters HR specialists craft policies and HR generalists located within divisions or other locales implement the policies, adapt them as needed, and interact with employees

Centralized HR

All HR policies, strategies, and decisions are handled from a single central headquarters.

Decentralized HR

HR staff and decision-making are pushed out to individual business units, regions, or local plants.

Matrix HR

a hybrid company structure where employees report to two chains of command at the same time (ex. both a functional department manager and a product/geographic manager)

HR Business Partner

a strategic bridge between HR and leadership, responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management in designated business units (senior human resources professional)

Global HR

the practice of managing human resources functions—such as recruiting, compliance, compensation, benefits, and employee relations—across multiple countries and international jurisdictions