National HR Conference:

Achieving business success role of modern HR function

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Achieving business success is the role of the modern HR function and it could be achieved by performing all functions of HR effectively, Prof H H D N P Opatha said speaking at the panel discussion on “Can HR power the booming economy” at the National HR Conference at Cinnamon Grand Hotel yesterday.

He said that there are eighteen functions in HR from job design to labour relations but it is a question whether the organizations today are exercising them fully and properly. Without maintaining performance appraisals giving proper training and getting feed back companies cannot reach this goal.

Prof Opatha said that there are two types of outcome as employ centred outcome such as job satisfaction and organization centred outcome such as quality, innovation, image and output. Therefore HR professionals have to make sure all functions are operational and align it with their strategy.

Another panellist Dr Ajantha Dharmasiri said that HR Managers have to wear the creative hat and concentrate on exploring the great opportunities before the country today. The productivity in companies is low because the value creation is low.

Prof Sudatta Ranasinghe said that country’s focus on research and development is very low.

Labour Minister Gamini Lokuge said that in this world where change is inevitable HR professionals must recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution the human resources can make to organizations and the society.

Minister Lokuge said that it is very important to ensure that industrial harmony between the employer and the trade unions on behalf of the employers is maintained continuously.

“There could be many hurdles and obstacles in this journey where the stakeholders often misunderstand, misinterpret or may not be convinced of the good intentions which can lead to industrial issues in an organization,” he said.