HR Strategy and Planning Flashcards

What is 'environmental scanning' in HR strategic planning?

Answer: Monitoring external trends (economic, legal, demographic, technological) that affect the workforce

Environmental scanning identifies external forces in the PESTLE environment (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) that will shape future workforce needs.

What is 'organizational culture' and why is it an HR concern?

Answer: The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how work gets done — HR shapes it through people practices

Organizational culture is the invisible fabric of shared assumptions and norms that drives behavior; HR influences culture through hiring, onboarding, recognition, and leadership development.

What is the 'HR audit' process designed to accomplish?

Answer: Systematically review HR policies, practices, and metrics for effectiveness and legal compliance

An HR audit examines whether HR programs, policies, and practices align with legal requirements, best practices, and organizational goals, identifying gaps for improvement.

What is the SPHR exam's primary distinction from the PHR exam?

Answer: SPHR tests mastery of strategic and policy-level HR; PHR tests operational and tactical HR execution

The SPHR is weighted toward strategic responsibilities, leadership, and the development of HR policy, while the PHR focuses on day-to-day HR implementation and legal compliance.

What is 'predictive analytics' in the HR context?

Answer: Using historical data and statistical models to forecast future workforce outcomes such as turnover or performance

Predictive HR analytics uses algorithms and machine learning applied to historical workforce data to forecast outcomes like voluntary turnover, performance decline, or flight risk.

What role does HR play during a corporate merger or acquisition?

Answer: Due diligence, culture integration, workforce planning, and communication strategy

HR's M&A role includes assessing workforce risks and liabilities, aligning cultures, harmonizing compensation and benefits, and managing employee communications throughout the transition.