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08/18/2021

The Currency of Human Resources Is Trust

An excerpt from Leading for Justice

Excerpt: Human Resources is the organizational arm that can best operationalize values—that is, make values a concrete part of day-to-day work practices. It can be a guardian of culture and the voice of internal justice. Granted, historically and in many organizations to this day, HR has not done this. In fact, it has often served as a very effective gatekeeper for maintaining oppression.

Instead of being seen as the long arm of management, HR must prioritize the protection of employees and be ready and able to respond to concerns. HR can develop concrete policies and facilitate benefits that make the organization user-friendly for staff. HR must be reimagined and realigned to be of value and service.

HR can be the partner of justice when the role is staffed by people who are committed to equity and who understand the power and the sacredness of the role. It is essential that whoever wears the HR hat, and in whatever manner, understands the importance of fairness, objectivity, and serving the entire organization (i.e. the mission). This is why I say that the role of HR is sacred—not because it is religious or spiritual, but because it deals with living, breathing, dreaming, daring, hopeful staff. Because the currency of HR is trust.

Please select this link to read the complete article from SSIR.

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