SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths and weaknesses concern internal processes and practices, while opportunities and threats are external. A SWOT analysis is designed to examine all of the factors affecting the work of an HR department.
By conducting an HR SWOT analysis, an HR department can assess the areas that need improvement, while acknowledging and celebrating the success of its strengths. This process can assist HR and ultimately the organization as a whole in creating a one-, three- or five-year HR plan for the growth of the organization.
The analysis allows HR to contribute to the organization's strategic goals. The chance to consider and reveal issues outside of the organization allows strategic decisions to be made for the utilization of limited resources in the future.