HR can play a decisive role in creating key business advantages by helping
organisations learn how to manage change effectively.
Neil Haywood, HR and change director at business services company Serco,
said ability to manage change was a core different- iator – and should be led
by HR.
"My premise is that organisations which develop a distinctive approach
to change achieve a competitive advantage. This is a natural role for HR
practitioners to fulfil, if they are prepared to seize the opportunity,"
he said.
Haywood, in his seminar ‘Making change a competitive advantage’ argued that
HR should be the main catalyst for change and should take ownership of it by
adopting a fresh approach.
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The HR team at Serco has designed a group management plan which enables its
business to define the extent and pace of change required. "We are
responsible for interpreting our business strategy in people terms and are now
at the heart of all major business changes," he said.
He called on HR to become more of a problem-solving function, providing a
service for senior staff during times of market and business flux.
