Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Kenneth E. Varcoe
Committee Member
Marian Gibney
Committee Member
Maryellen Maher
Keywords
attracting and retaining talent, change management, communication, employee engagement, employee support programs, formative evaluation, health and well-being, HR management systems, human resources, human resources capacity, human resources development, human resources management, human resources strategy, implementation plan, individual development, iterative review, Liquor Distribution Branch, organizational transformation, organization development, program development, program evaluation, program implementation, strategic planning, strategic priorities, summative evaluation, talent management, workforce planning, workplace health, workplace safety
Abstract
The purpose of this applied dissertation was to develop a comprehensive human resources strategy for the Liquor Distribution Branch with plans for implementation and evaluation. Significant organizational transformation and the lack of a strategy for human resources management and development suggested that a comprehensive human resources strategy was required.
The initial research question raised was addressed by identifying the elements of effective human resources strategies based on the literature and an examination of human resources strategy best practices. The development methodology was utilized to address the other research questions relating to the human resources strategy and the plans for the implementation and evaluation. Formative and summative advisory committees contributed to the development and validation of the strategy and plans.
The HR strategy is comprehensive and provides a strategic approach to building human resources capacity throughout the organization. The strategy’s six strategic priorities: attracting and retaining talent; HR management systems and alignment; employee support programs; employee engagement, communication and change; individual and organization development; and workplace health and well-being encircle the centre of the human resources’ mission which is to provide a healthy, safe, and productive workforce.
The process of gathering information and the iterative review and modification process utilized with the advisory committees provided the basis for the conclusions that the HR strategy and plans for implementation and evaluation were appropriate and should provide a comprehensive strategy for the human resources at the Liquor Distribution Branch.
The recommendations include a comprehensive implementation plan that involves the employees at all levels of the organization and a process for measurement and evaluation that ensures effective execution and individual and team accountability.