In my opinion, academics and HR professionals have embraced Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) because there is a genuine business case for it not just out of self-interest. While some critics might say that SHRM is a way for HR to gain more influence or legitimacy within an organization, I believe its value has been proven through real outcomes.
Companies that adopt a strategic HR approach often show better performance in areas like employee engagement, innovation, retention, and even profitability. That’s because SHRM doesn’t treat HR as a separate admin function it makes it a core part of business strategy. For example, if a company plans to expand into a new market, SHRM ensures the workforce planning, talent development, and cultural integration are all in sync with that business goal.
Also, from an academic perspective, SHRM offers a more systematic, research-based way to show the impact of people management on organizational success. It brings measurable structure to an area that was once considered "soft" or purely people-focused.
Yes, HR professionals do benefit from SHRM by having a stronger seat at the decision-making table, but that doesn’t mean it’s purely self-interest. The shift helps organizations see that people strategy is business strategy.
So overall, I think SHRM is embraced because it works it adds value, helps align people with goals, and makes organizations more agile and competitive in a fast-changing world.