Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

What type of alignment occurs when an HR strategic plan supports the goals identified in an organization's strategic plan?

1. Horizontal fit

2. Vertical fit

3. Diagonal fit

4. Strategic fit

The correct answer is: Vertical fit

The correct choice highlights the concept of vertical fit, which refers to the alignment between an organization's HR strategies and its overall strategic objectives. When an HR strategic plan is designed to support the goals set forth in the organization's broader strategic plan, it ensures that human resources practices, policies, and procedures are fully in sync with the organization's vision, mission, and goals. This alignment is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps create a cohesive environment where employees clearly understand how their roles contribute to the overall success of the organization. When HR initiatives such as recruitment, training, and performance management are strategically aligned, it enhances employee engagement and drives productivity as staff efforts are directed toward common objectives. Other forms of fit mentioned, such as horizontal fit, refer to aligning various human resource practices to ensure consistency among them, rather than to the broader organizational strategy. Diagonal fit is not widely recognized in the standard HR alignment frameworks, and strategic fit is often used as a more general term that can encompass both vertical and horizontal alignments without focusing specifically on how HR supports organizational strategy. Thus, the focus on vertical fit accurately captures the essence of aligning HR strategy with organizational goals, ensuring a successful integration that leverages human capital toward achieving these ambitions.