21st Century HR: A Competency Model for the Emerging Role of HR Analysts

Abstract

The transformation and digitalization of human resources (HR) over the past three decades has enabled the emergence of HR analytics; the collection and analysis of workforce data to inform and aid in strategic decisions. In light of this digital transformation, the demand for professionals who can effectively conduct, perform, and interpret analytics has seen a dramatic increase in HR leading to the development of a new and distinct role within the HR function; the HR Analyst. The purpose of this paper is to develop the first competency model for this newly emerging role by systematically identifying the key competencies and skills required by HR Analysts to perform effective HR analytics. Drawing upon Campion, Fink, Ruggeberd, Carr, & Odman (2011) best practice framework, we first, conduct a content analysis on 110 job descriptions collected from five countries; Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and second, analyze twelve interview transcripts derived from in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with HR analytics professionals from Canada and Ireland. Our findings add to the developing and fast-growing field of HR analytics literature by offering evidence supporting a set of six distinct competencies required for HR Analysts including business acumen and HR knowledge, consulting, data fluency and data analysis, research and discovery, storytelling and communication, and technical knowledge. Additionally, we present and discuss the practical implications the research has in the areas of human resource development and recruitment and selection while outlining several directions and areas for future research.