It’s all in a name? – HR practitioners speak out

Thanks to those of you who have got involved in the debate about what we should call HR practitioners.

There is no consensus (so far) apart from the feeling that it is up to the individual to prove their value to their respective organisation irrespective of their job title.

That said, Personnel Today news editor Mike Berry, points out that the issue continues to be discussed in the professional press. Given the strength of feeling expressed by you it is one that continues to concern many in the profession.

Several very interesting ideas have been put forward,

As described by Shuan who said,

I prefer Personnel Manager, it does what it says on the label. Everything else is just vacuous navel gazing when we should be busy keeping our organization from making dumb employment mistakes. Although, I must say I have a sneaking desire to be called "His Holiness, the Grand Employability Guru" and walk around with a book entitled "How to keep my boss out of jail". :)

Jay Shepherd keeps is simple by suggesting CTO,

Chief Talent Officer. Isn't that what it's all about?

Liz Ryan shared her strong views on the current rant poll favourite HR Business Partner,

HR Business Partner is unquestionably the most idiotic, juvenile job title ever invented, and a major black mark on HR's already sketchy track record. Think about it: HR Business Partner? What does it mean? It means that HR can't figure out how to add value on its own, so it scurries around the organization looking for someone to partner with -- it's pathetic.

Whilst over at LinkedIn financial specialist John Williams opens up another subject all together – never mind the job title, what is the role of HR in organisations in 2007?

I respectfully disagree with the concept that HR needs its own strategy and mission. It has one, which is generally set by the Board, Owner or Executive Committee of the company. For any senior executive to take the operation they are responsible in another direction from what the company is doing clearly shows that they need to be outsourced.

I have discussed the role of HR previously and return to this fascinating topic soon. Keep voting folks..