2.2.2.3 A clear formal written statement of HRM objectives and plans
Strategic goals and objectives are the key products of the planning process, and they are often affirmed in a
written plan. This plan offers a helpful direct to the HRpersonnel department as it aims to align existing
policies and practices with strategic objectives. The HRpersonnel department can develop its own plan for
relating or linking its goals to the organization's goals or staff can be reminded of the need to factor the
organization’s strategic goals into its day by day operations (Popovich, 1998; Tompkins, 2002; Boxall et al.,
2007). Although this requirement emerges simple, most discussions of strategic planning fail to define what
the term strategy or strategic objective means in reality (Tompkins, 2002; Boxall and Purcell, 2000; Boxall et
al., 2007). In private sector organizations which practice SHRM, a business strategy is planned to provide
them a competitive edge over other organizations in their industry (Porter, 1980). Once a business strategy is
chosen, specific objectives can be identified and the task of aligning HRpersonnel policies and practices can
begin.