Final answer:
The most desired outcome of an HR audit is to identify underperforming areas within the HR department, leading to improvements in efficiency and the hiring process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most desired outcome of an HR audit is the identification of underperforming areas of the function. This is crucial because it helps the organization to address these areas systematically to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of its HR processes. A thorough HR audit should reveal the strengths and weaknesses within the HR department, confirming that adequate controls are in place and recognizing HR's role as a credible business partner. Furthermore, an HR audit can also lead to an increase in the organization's efficiency by streamlining processes and improving the hiring process, thereby potentially reducing hiring biases. For example, research in Canada has shown that professionalizing HR functions may help reduce discrimination against applicants with Asian-sounding names. Additionally, the effectiveness of training programs within the HR framework, demonstrated by the study by Arthur, Bennett, Edens, and Bell, indicates the importance of continual evaluation and improvement of organizational training efforts.