Transformation of HR professionals to be a change agent: realistic goal or just a dream?

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Human Resource (HR) professionals as change agents and the competencies they need to possess in order to execute this role. HR professionals as change agents have the responsibility to ease the effect changes in the organization and protect employees against the side effects of the inevitable changes. Sometimes, the change helps to introduce a significant increase of the performance and the company can boost the sales and production without additional costs. Several vital competencies that are reviewed in this paper including effective relationship, value chain knowledge, conflict management, performance management and human resource development (HRD) skills. Base on the findings in the literature reviews, all these competencies are expected to relate with the role of change agent. HR professionals for their inability to function as change agents will inevitably create a barrier against them from becoming a well-integrated strategic partner.