People issues clearly dominate the strategic agenda of organisations across the globe. Faced with increased competition, advances in technology and a relentless focus on innovation, senior business and HR executives agree that people are vital to all aspects of their organisation’s performance.

While people issues have moved to the forefront of business agendas worldwide, the important question is: are senior executives and HR aligned on critical people and HR issues?

Aligned at the Top, a new global study conducted by Deloitte and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), reveals that while senior HR and business executives view people issues as strategic business issues, there is also an increasing tension between the needs of the business and HR’s ability to deliver.

The study, which surveyed 531 senior business executives and HR leaders across the globe, representing every major industry and region, suggests that most HR functions are still transforming themselves, or thinking of transforming themselves, from administrator to strategist. Many HR functions have yet to develop the capacity and capabilities required to tackle their organisation’s current and future strategic challenges.

The report contains the complete research findings and takes a closer look at the relationship between the business and HR. Download the report, 'Aligned to the top' to learn more.