Final answer:
The HR structural alternative with centralized policies and localized implementation is a Functional HR model, which can lead to more professional and potentially less biased hiring practices, as demonstrated by research on discrimination against Asian-sounding names.
Step-by-step explanation:
The HR structural alternative described, where headquarters HR specialists develop policies and HR generalists implement them locally, aligns closely with a Functional HR model. This model allows for the centralization of HR strategy and policy-making, while still providing flexibility for local adaptation and direct interaction with employees. By professionalizing human resources functions, biases such as those seen in the hiring process can potentially be reduced. For example, studies in Canada have shown that professional HR strategies help mitigate discrimination against applicants with Asian-sounding names. Larger organizations, which are likely to have more institutional and corporate management resources, tend to show a reduced level of such bias. This denotes the importance of well-structured HR policies possibly contributing to more equitable hiring practices, reinforcing the significance of equal opportunity programs.