Introduction Human Resource Planning (HRP) is a key component of Human Resource Management (HRM). There is a need for organizations to embrace the HRP concept because doing so would allow them to evaluate their future human resource needs. For example, labor shortage or surplus labour would be a sign of lack of planning or poor planning within the organization. However, with HRP, the management can anticipate labor shortage or excess in advance and take corrective actions. This is because HRP allows an organization to employ the right type and number of human resources. Moreover, HRP acts as a good source of valuable information to the organization. This in formation could assist the HR manager in training and development, promotion, recruitment, selection, et cetera (Van Clieaf, 1992, p. 8). Besides, HRP is important when the organization wishes to diversify or expand its operations. In addition, HRP facilitates the smooth transition of change within the organization. The essay is an attempt to explore the HRP function as it affects the organization. To start with, a definition of HRP shall be provided. Thereafter, the essay shall identify the objectives of HRP. The importance of HRP shall also be discussed. Finally, the factors affecting HRP will be determined. Definition Human resource planning (HRP) is a term used in reference to the steps that an organization can use as it tries to determine the right procedure to use in order to improve the current quality of its human resources (Randhawa, 2007, p. 23). HRP allows the HR manager to predict the expected demand of an organization and, as a result, he/she can plan well so that these demands can be met fully (Senga & Keogh, 2001, p. 449). HRP may also refer to the act of examining and predicting the knowledge, labor requirements and skills of a firm and taking the necessary action so that these requirements are fulfilled. Objectives The main objectives of HRP are to make full use of existing human resources with a view to predicting the future needs of the organization. Furthermore, HRP enables the HR manager to determine any shortages or surpluses in the human resource functions, and to provide the organization with the desirable control measures so that it can have access to the most suitable human resources as the need arises (Randhawa, 2007, p. 23). Moreover, HRP allows an organization to foresee the impact of technology on human resources and jobs and take corrective actions in advance. Consequently, the management is in a better position to verify the level of employee recruitment and training that it needs to adopt. Besides, a good HR plan enables an organization to achieve its diversification and expansion goals in an efficient and effective manner. Importance Human resource planning enables an organization to recruit employees based on the required competencies and skills. Consequently, it improves the chances of a business entity to succeed (Min-Huei, 2004, p. 290). For this reason, it is important to integrate one’s business plan with the HR plan so that one can establish the kind of resources that will be necessary to achieve organizational goals. A good human resource plan enables an organization to prepare for employee recruitment, staff turnover, and strategic hiring. In addition, it enab