Organization: Structure of the HR Function

Question 1

Part of a service contract where the service expectations are formally defined.

Answer 1

Service-level agreement (SLA)

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

Shared services HR model

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Cosourcing

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Functional HR

Question 5

HR structural alternative that allows organizations with different strategies in multiple units to apply HR expertise to each unit’s specific strategic needs.

Answer 5

Dedicated HR

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Center of excellence (COE)

Question 7

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

Answer 7

HR audit