One of the biggest challenges facing the profession of human resources (HR) is being an influence on the top-line senior executives of companies, otherwise known as the C-suite, according to leadership specialist Anita Kropacsy of Corporate Challenge Events.

“HR is a vital function in any organisation, arguably never more so than today, with people and culture critical to an organisation’s success,” said Kropacsy.

“The right people need to be recruited and those people need to be managed effectively to create a positive team culture,” she said.

“That is why I believe HR should have a seat at the C-suite table – amongst the top-line decision makers and strategic thinkers of an organisation.

“However, the biggest challenge in achieving this is getting HR to think and operate more strategically on the future direction of the company and exerting an influence on strategic decisions.”
Kropacsy recently attended and presented at the National HR Summit in Sydney and had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of HR professionals for their insights.

“There was much conversation about corporate training, team building, staff conferences and team events, however a common topic became this very challenge – getting a position in the C-suite or at the very least being able to influence the C-suite,” she said.

“Most HR professionals who I spoke to have found it hard to convince C-suites to commit significant, and in some cases, any investment for building a healthy and values-led culture.

“General feedback is that C-suites often see culture as less tangible than, for example, creating a new product line or making a major capital investment, and more difficult to forecast and measure risks and returns arising from a company’s culture.

“The challenge is HR influencing the C-suite about the vital importance of culture.

“There needs to be less focus on HR being a procedural function, and a greater focus on providing educated and strategic input into the future direction of the company.”

Director of Motivation Matters, Anneli Blundell is a management consultant who helps senior business leaders increase their influence, engagement and professional visibility.

Blundell believes HR is not considered part of the C-suite because HR executives have historically positioned and see themselves as order takers.


“HR needs to start pushing back on the operational stuff so they have the time to think strategically,” she said.

“This may mean pushing back on the ownership of coaching and developing people to the leaders so they can spend more time operating on the strategic focus of the business.”

Susan Connor is Head of Client Management for Corporate Travel Management, a provider of innovative and cost-effective travel management solutions to the corporate market.

“It’s important that HR is among the C-suite particularly so all leaders understand the culture and the different needs of people, departments and offices within the company,” said Connor.

Corporate Challenge Events is a leader in corporate training programs, team building activities, and conference planning across Australia and New Zealand with offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Auckland.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Corporate Challenge Events
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 9753 2562
1/12 Macro Ct, Rowville, VIC 3178
www.corporatechallenge.com.au