Perceptions regarding the future of the human resource functions within Bayer Polymers and Chemicals

Following two significant organizational restructuring initiatives in 2003--2004, the long-term financial future seems optimistic for Bayer Corporation's Polymer and Chemical businesses. However, one fundamental challenge for Bayer is to ensure Human Resources (HR) is keeping pace with the rapidly changing organization. This study investigated perceptual differences among three internal Bayer participant groups (senior management, internal HR consultants, and HR practitioners) regarding perceived ongoing challenges facing the HR functions for both businesses. The study determined that while HR is perceived as being a strategic business partner and the participant groups agree regarding critical ongoing HR skills, there are significant perceptual differences regarding agreement to the following: HR being aligned with the business, outsourcing internal HR services, and required ongoing HR practitioner competencies and attributes.