Seven Irresistible Forces | Context

While thinking about the new world of HR, it is important to recognise that there are a number of external forces that will shape the future.

In the first edition of this book we listed, what we termed, seven irresistible forces. In 2005 this was a bold claim. Some years on now we have revisited this list to test whether they have, in fact, been irresistible. We can confidently state that they are as relevant now as they were then. In many ways these forces have been strengthened. So, as part of the envisioning process, these forces form an important part of the context within which the new world of HR is envisioned.

These seven irresistible forces are as follows:

1. Technology will play an increasing role in the way HR delivers value.
2. HR processes will continue to standardise around technology.
3. The HR administrative backbone will increasingly be delivered by centres of expertise (whether in-house shared service centres or outsourced service centres).
4. The shape of the in-house HR function will continue to change and HR staffing levels will continue to decline, with the headcount profile shifting from administrative/advisory roles to higher value decision support/specialist/strategic roles.
5. The delivery of HR management in organisations will continue to disperse across each of the delivery channels.
6. The need for HR professionals to bring a unique value proposition to internal clients will increase as line managers become more confident with self-service tools and seize opportunities for genuine choice in sourcing professional HR support.
7. The outsourcing and/or offshoring of transactional, administrative, advisory and specialist HR activity will continue to increase.