Contrast between HR generalist and Specialist

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Contrasts between HR Generalist and Specialist.

Human Resource Generalist are more organizationally oriented, they are in favor of the organization and promotion as opposed to depth of knowledge, (Cesare and Thornton, 1993). It is also argued that, “in direct contrast, generalists: 1. possess a macro orientation characterized more by breadth of knowledge than depth, 2. are more loyal to their employing organization than a professional group, and 3. aspire to climb the corporate hierarchy as it exists.” (Cesare and Thornton, 1993). The Human Resource Generalist are broad in their capacity to perform more than one task without being at risk of become obsolete to the organization. Their acumen allow them to engage in the practicality of company affairs which allows for recognition and promotion. Dany, Guedri, and Hatt, quotes Ulrich who argued the notion of, “honoring Human Resource Generalist as business partners because of their vitality to organizations” (Ulrich, 1996). Human Resource Generalist are able to manage human capital and simultaneously strategize for business expansion and profitability as they coordinate with line managers of said organizations. Thus, it is highly argued that, “that Human Resources Generalist integration with strategic management is what really contributes to company performance, and if Human Resources Managers issues are understood to relate to the business in the organization” (Dany, Guedri, and Hatt, 2008, pg. 2098)

Human Resource Specialist are more disciplined in the confines of a unique task and performs that task with perfect skill thus increasing more in specialization. Cesare and Thornton attributed to Human Resource Specialist as, “specialists are defined as those professionals who...

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... regarding specific tasks.

Works Cited

Cesare, S. J., & Thornton, C. (1993). Human resource management and the specialist/generalist

issue. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 8(3), 31. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/docview/215864526?accountid=28180

Dany, F., Guedri, Z., & Hatt, F. (2008). New insights into the link between HRM integration and

organizational performance: the moderating role of influence distribution between HRM

specialists and line managers. International Journal of Human Resource

Management, 19(11), 2095-2112. doi:10.1080/09585190802404320

Ulrich, D. (1996), Human Resource Champions, Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press

Watson, T.J. (2006), Organizing and Managing Work (2nd ed.), Harlow: FT Prentice Hall

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