Transformation "represents a long journey, taking 5 to 7 years before the real benefits accrue", says the report, although the research also found that "those who have recognised the depth and complexity of this transition are now harvesting the results."
Getting a true picture was produced by Oxen Park, a forum for HR professionals, and was based on survey answers and one-on-one interviews with HR directors and other "leaders" from the sector.
Oxen Park produced the report, Getting a True Picture, after interviewing HR directors and leaders. Principal, Geoff Booth, said: "When we talk about HR transformation we are using the word literally and holistically. By ‘transformation’, we mean transforming HR activity within the whole business; not just within the narrow function of HR. If you define HR transformation as the creation of a shared service centre for example then you’re talking a couple of years, but more holistic change takes longer."
Asked about the dangers of underestimating the length of time transformations take, Booth said: "Fundamentally, it’s about not meeting the expectations of those who have made an investment HR.
"If you suggest that holistic transformation can take place in too shorter time period, you are misleading your investors and reducing the likelihood of the project meeting their expectations for a return on their investment.
"We believe that all too often the success of HR transformation is seen purely in terms of a reduction in cost."
Two thirds of respondents to the survey said that they had seen successes in transformations in HR, although the forum stated that they believed "that a substantial percentage were either, consciously or sub-consciously, providing a ‘PR response’ or were perhaps deluding themselves."
