How To Fix 5N053 - Employee belongs to target group; this selection is invalid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5N - HR NL: Error Messages for Infotype Module Pools (NL)

• Message number: 053

• Message text: Employee belongs to target group; this selection is invalid

What causes this issue?

The employee has chosen to belong to the target group. This selection
is invalid, because he or she and his or her parents belong to the
target group countries. This means that he or she automatically belongs
to the target group.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5N053 - Employee belongs to target group; this selection is invalid ?

  The SAP error message 5N053 indicates that an employee belongs to a target group that is not valid for the action you are trying to perform. This error typically occurs in the context of personnel administration or employee management when you are attempting to assign an employee to a specific action or target group that they do not qualify for.
  Cause:
  
  Target Group Misalignment: The employee may be assigned to a target group that does not match the criteria for the action you are trying to execute.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that define which target groups are valid for certain actions, and the employee's current status does not meet these criteria.
  Data Entry Errors: Incorrect data entry when assigning the employee to a target group or when trying to perform an action can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Employee's Target Group: Review the employee's current target group assignments in the system. Ensure that they are assigned to the correct target group that is valid for the action you are trying to perform.
  Review Action Configuration: Check the configuration settings for the action you are trying to execute. Ensure that the target groups associated with that action include the employee's current target group.
  Correct Data Entry: If there was an error in data entry, correct the information and try the action again.
  Consult with HR or SAP Administrator: If you are unsure about the target groups or the configuration, consult with your HR department or SAP system administrator for guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like PA20 (Display HR Master Data) or PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to check and modify employee data.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files related to personnel administration and target group management for more detailed information on how target groups are defined and used.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.