What is a SWOT analysis, and how does it apply to an HR department?
A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for developing your HR department’s strategic plan. S.W.O.T. is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors; opportunities and threats are external factors. Analysis of these dimensions can be used to identify the HR department’s role in carrying out the organization’s mission. To conduct a SWOT analysis, HR must first study and understand the organization’s mission, both the stated mission and any unstated agendas that the company leadership may have. HR should then consider what strengths the HR department has that can be used to help lead the organization in the direction desired by the leadership team. Examples of strengths an HR department may possess include the following: A successful employment branding strategy. A competitive compensation philosophy. Effective turnover management. High safety standards. In addition, HR should t...