A SWOT analysis is used to:

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organizations identify and evaluate their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. When applied to human resources, a SWOT analysis can be particularly beneficial in informing HR strategies.

By examining the internal strengths, such as a skilled workforce or effective leadership, HR can leverage these assets to enhance recruitment, training, and retention practices. Identifying weaknesses, such as high turnover rates or skills gaps, allows HR to address these issues proactively through targeted interventions.

Additionally, recognizing external opportunities—like market growth or technological advancements—enables HR to align its strategies with the overall organizational goals, ensuring that the human capital is positioned to support these opportunities effectively. Conversely, being aware of threats, such as economic downturns or competitive labor markets, allows HR to implement strategies that mitigate risks and secure the organization’s talent pool.

In this context, while evaluating employee performance, assessing market strategies, and creating new job positions are important HR functions, they do not specifically encompass the broader and strategic application of a SWOT analysis as it pertains to informing HR strategies. Thus, the correct answer highlights the significance of using a SWOT analysis to steer HR activities that align with the organization’s strategic goals.