A focus on students’ and teachers’ learning through strategic human resource management

ABSTRACT The importance of strategic planning and human resource management (SHRM) for school effectiveness and improvement has been stressed. Yet, research shows that both are challenging aspects of school management. This qualitative study explores (a) the role of strategic planning in SHRM and (b) the link between SHRM and the factors that stimulate teachers’ professional learning. Based on 194 semistructured interviews with school leaders and team members, a comparative analysis between excellent and moderate strategic schools was conducted. The results reveal that excellent strategic schools distinguish themselves through strategic planning that focuses on core aspects of students’ learning and a working environment that is characterized by a highly motivated teacher team and various chances for teachers to learn from each other. The study provides an insight into how a “learning-focused” working environment can be enhanced by enacting a set of human resource practices.