This document discusses the strategic role of human resource management. It begins by noting that in today's knowledge economy, employees are as powerful as consumers were in the past. It then outlines several questions around how an organization can develop a committed and competent workforce, adapt to environmental changes, balance labor and capital needs, plan HR deployment for the future, build incentives, and safeguard company interests. The next section discusses HR principles around value creation, emphasis on performance and competence, equal opportunity, and a long-term perspective. Finally, it explains the importance of human resource strategy in defining opportunities/barriers, prompting new thinking, developing commitment to action, establishing long-term priorities, and providing strategic focus for managing business and talent.