Four Groups

I read an interesting piece on the evolution of the HR function within organisations and organisational culture. Just as IT and Finance departments mature, so does HR. This author, writing partially from a Japanese perspective at least, comments

* The role of HR in the 1990s was champion changes to culture and behaviour within the organisation to allow ‘total quality’ to be imported. This had to happen at every level: from boardroom to shop floor.
* HR in the 21 century is seeing a devolvement to line management. However, this trend is challenged by both HR professionals and line management - at least in the way that the model is applied.

I couldn’t agree more about the challenges and alternative agenda’s that must be tackled and resolved if progress is to continue. We recently wrote about the strategic perceptions of HR within the business and the potential organisational (department) shadow, both of which will have various levels of influence on the HR agenda moving forward.

If you can view this page on the CIPD website, you’ll see the debate is very much alive, with over 50 posts at the last count.