QUESTION TWO [20] Organisations do not operate in a vacuum, but are influenced by many forces in the external environment. Organisations cannot ignore the challenges arising out of these forces and need to respond adequately and timeously to them. The HR department, as a business partner, must understand the changes in the external environment and how they impact on the organisation and the HR function, and develop HR strategies that help the organisation respond optimally and creatively.

With reference to this, critically discuss the role of HR in an organisation, focusing on the view of HR as a business partner and how HR challenges can be overcome.