Final answer:
The traditional dominant role for human resources has been the Administrative role, focused on tasks such as record management and payroll. Enhanced roles like Strategic HR align with wider organizational goals, whereas professionalizing HR can reduce hiring biases. The correct answer is option B : Employee advocate role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dominant role that has traditionally been given the most importance in human resources is the Administrative role (C). In the traditional setting of HR, the focus was mainly on administrative tasks, such as managing employee records, handling payroll, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. These duties are essential for maintaining the structure and foundation of the workforce within a company.
Over time, other roles of human resources have emerged, such as the Operational role which deals with day-to-day management of employee relations and HR services; the Employee advocate role that involves representing the needs and concerns of employees; and the growing importance of the Strategic role of HR which includes aligning HR policies and practices with the overall strategy of the organization.
However, traditionally the administrative functions formed the core of HR responsibilities. Professionalizing human resources can lead to more equitable hiring practices. For example, research has indicated that larger organizations with professionalized HR functions are better equipped to reduce bias in the hiring process, such as discrimination against applicants with Asian-sounding names in Canada.