Promotional graphic for the SAM International Business Conference featuring the presentation “Aligning HR Function to Business Objectives and Strategy.” The image shows a blue conference-themed background with a world map motif, an illustration of business professionals shaking hands while standing on interlocking gears, and surrounding visuals of charts, documents, calendars, trophies, and HR-related tools symbolizing strategic alignment, workforce planning, and organizational performance. The presenters listed are Ian Laessig, Olivea Learn, and Dillon Steffy from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, with a call to visit the SAM conference website for more information.

Organizations increasingly recognize that human resources is most effective when it operates as a strategic partner, not simply an administrative function. This accepted student research presentation examines how HR functions can be aligned with business objectives and organizational strategy to strengthen performance, improve talent outcomes, and build cultures that support long-term success.

Using a combination of peer-reviewed research and interview data, the study highlights how HR influences critical levers such as recruitment, selection, training, and organizational culture. Findings suggest that when HR is incorporated into strategic planning, organizations are better able to match workforce capabilities and values to evolving business needs. This alignment improves outcomes by ensuring that people practices reinforce the same priorities leaders are driving through strategy.

The presentation also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating HR impact through measurable results. Interview insights point to metrics such as performance outcomes, employee engagement, and talent retention as essential indicators for connecting HR work to organizational performance. By using clear measures and remaining responsive to changing business conditions, HR can continuously adjust its practices and maintain relevance as business objectives evolve.

This session contributes to the ongoing shift in how HR is viewed within organizations. Rather than serving only as a support function, HR is positioned as a strategic force that helps organizations build the workforce, culture, and capabilities needed to execute strategy effectively.

Authors and Affiliations
Ian Laessig, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg
Olivea Learn, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg
Dillon Steffy, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg

Join us for this in-person presentation at the SAM International Business Conference and explore how strategic HR alignment strengthens organizational results.
Learn more and register to attend at www.samnational.org/conference.