Four Groups

A survey by LogicaCMG showed an interesting distinction between the perception that HR have of their value and strategic contribution to the business and how this differs from that of board members. Writing in Personnel Today, Mike Madgwick states;

In fact, a recent study commissioned by LogicaCMG, taking in views from a cross section of the UK’s top 500 companies, points to a distinct difference of opinion between HR directors (HRDs) and board-level decision-makers. While three-quarters of HRDs feel they currently make a strategic contribution to business, less than half of decision-makers agree. Indeed, 62 per cent of these decision-makers believe that there is room for improvement in this very area, citing strategic business contribution skills as a key future requirement for HR.

No doubt the reasons for these differences are far from simple, however, I think the point is one that can’t be missed, especially given the desires from the board to invest more in their HR functions.

…with 60 per cent of (board level) decision-makers expressing the desire to take on the mantel of HR at board level and 48 per cent agreeing they need to take greater responsibility - and invest more - in people development.