Change management set to be the main focus for HR directors in Asia

閱讀中文版本

• Stakeholder engagement has emerged as the top skill for HR leaders' success.
  
• Organisational politics remains the most common barrier.
  
• Half respondents will attend industry events to expand their network.

Human resource directors (HRDs) across Asia are increasingly stepping into the role of strategic change leaders, moving beyond traditional compliance duties to become key drivers of organisational transformation.

According to the latest DNA of a HRD report, nearly half (44%) of HRDs expect that designing and managing organisational change will occupy a larger share of their role over the next five years.

The research was published from a survey of 271 senior HR professionals across China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The most essential skill for today’s HRDs

Stakeholder engagement has emerged to the top as the most essential skill for HRDs' success, cited by 49% of respondents – up from 43% in 2017 – overtaking strategic planning as the previously dominant competency.

Commercial acumen followed closely, named by 39% of participants as a critical skill for the role.

The challenges HRDs continue to face

Despite evolving skillsets and broader responsibilities, HRDs still grapple with persistent barriers.

Organisational politics continues to be the most common challenge, cited by 40% of respondents. Lack of opportunity for career progression was identified by 26% of HRDs as a key obstacle.

In Hong Kong specifically, career ambition runs high: 60% of HRDs expressed interest in moving into a bigger role – whether within more complex organisations or at the Group HRD level.

For many, gaining overseas experience has proven pivotal in achieving these ambitions: among those who have worked outside Asia, 82% said the international exposure positively influenced their career trajectory.

How HRDs are staying ahead

To remain competitive, HRDs are doubling down on professional development:

• 53% stay updated on industry and legislative changes
• 50% attend networking events

Digital platforms play a pivotal role in this effort, with LinkedIn continuing to be the dominant networking channel (87%).

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