Evaluating the importance and performance of the human resources function: An examination of a medium sized Scottish retailer

With human capital reporting pending, and pressure to demonstrate high performance in all areas of business increasing, the human resources (HR) function at Scotmid (Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Limited) has been evaluated by operational managers and HR specialists. Results indicate that a sizeable majority of the HR portfolio is considered value-adding. However operational managers hold traditional views of the function and categorise operational HR activities of paramount importance. Also, there are mixed views on HR performance which have created a number of critical perceptual gaps. Consequently, the principal implications for Scotmid are identified.