Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Human Resource Business Partnering (HRBP) model in enhancing Strategic role of HRM in Malawi. The study was guided by industrial and organisational psychology theory to examine the perceptions of key internal stakeholders over the functioning of their HR departments within organisations that adopted HRBP model in Malawi. To do this, the study investigated the factors behind the adoption of HRBP model in selected corporations; examined linkages between HRBP model and strategic roles of HR functions; explored perceptions of key internal stakeholders on the effects of HRBP model on HR functions’ roles; and evaluated challenges associated with the development, adoption and implementation of HRBP model. Primary data was collected using Key Informant Interviews (KII) with CEOs, Line Managers and HR Practitioners who were purposively sampled for working with organisations that have adopted the HRBP model in Malawi. Using qualitative research design, a total of 28 respondents from four organisations participated in this study. The findings of this study show that HRBP model in the sampled organisations was adopted from 2012 to 2017. The study further found that the main drivers behind the adoption of the HRBP model in sampled organisation include the need to align HR functions to business strategy and units as well as to conform to headquarters policies for the multinational organisations. The study also established that adoption of HRBP model in different organisations is beneficial in enhancing the strategic role of the HR functions. Further, the study established that there is limited ability among HR practitioners in dealing with high level strategic roles which are often outsourced to consultants. Not only that, the study has also revealed that high cost, time consumption and resistance to change are some of the main challenges affecting the development, adoption and implementation of the HRBP model in Malawi. In general, the findings of this study collaborate with literature although a few unique issues have emerged especially on the drivers and challenges affecting HRBP model.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2022

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