HR in all its glory

Purpose – This article presents the diverse responsibilities of the HR department in organizations that strive for leadership within their sector. Design/methodology/approach – Lists and explains these responsibilities, and highlights how they are connected. Findings – Advocates that at the foundation of an HR department's responsibilities should be an immediate and continuous connection with strategic management and with departmental heads, so that the workforce can be geared toward any new requirements. Practical implications – Presents a useful way forward for HR departments that find themselves simply fulfilling the functions of the old personnel division for database and administration, for pushing around the papers regarding employees' performance, and for posting job vacancies. Originality/value – Emphasizes the role of HR as a link between top management and employees.