Differentiation through people: How can HR move beyond business partner?

Abstract Today's employers must use their resources as efficiently as possible. This includes continuous improvement in products, processes, and productivity, as well as sound procedures for compliance, risk management, and accountability. But customer satisfaction depends on employee discretionary behavior. The HR profession has the lead responsibility to design the policies and practices that elicit behavior leading to sustainable success. This article presents what HR has to do to prove it is a sound business partner, as well as the steps it can take to stimulate the essential employee of today. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.