As much as possible, HR managers and general managers should be separate entities. HR managers are privy to sensitive information, and a certain level of detachment is necessary. If the head of HR is the same person evaluating employee performance, then staff may not feel comfortable confiding their personal problems out of the fear these confessions will reflect in reviews. Here is a list of HR books that outlines more best practices: https://teambuilding.com/blog/hr-books
No, an HR manager should not be a general manager in a private company. An HR manager's role is to oversee all personnel-related issues in a company, including hiring, firing, benefits, and training. A general manager's role is to oversee all business operations in a company.
Human resources has a specific lane within a company. It serves as an arbitrator in the event that an employee has a complaint with another employee - and oftentimes the latter is a supervisor. That poses a significant conflict of interest if the human resources manager also serves as a general manager in charge of everyone in the workforce. An arbitrator needs to be independent, offering a fair-and-balanced approach to complaints/allegations in the workplace. That ability is taken away from them if they have a dual role as a higher-level manager. There should be no tilt, one way or another, if there is a sexual harassment complaint, abuse allegation or anything else in that vein. It would be the same as a police agency employing someone to be an internal affairs investigator while supervising a criminal case unit. Companies need to guard against obvious conflicts of interest.
No, an HR manager should not be a general manager in a private company. While the HR manager would have experience with personnel issues, they would likely not have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage all other facets of the company. The role of an HR manager is to ensure that employees are treated fairly and in accordance with company policy, but does not include managing budgets, sales goals, or other strategic objectives. A general manager is responsible for all aspects of a company's operation, so it is essential that they have a broad range of knowledge and skills.
If they have used their years in an organization well, efficient and dedicated HR managers can undoubtedly take on the role of a general manager. After all, one of the essentials on the list of a GM is the ability to oversee HRM. However, although HR is the most critical organizational element, the role of a GM also includes other additional responsibilities such as finance, marketing, and operational efficiency. As long as an HR manager committedly works towards learning and taking on these duties, they can well be on their way to becoming dependable and successful GMs too.
An HR manager that has been properly trained in business, or has a background in business, can be a great general manager. They can offer the kind of expertise and people skills that are integral to any effective manager. Many times, candidates at this position have many years of business experience, but have a harder time managing a team or having the interpersonal skills necessary to be an effective manager. HR professionals are a great option to consider due to their wide ranging managerial skill sets.
A human resource manager may be needed to mediate misunderstandings between management and employees. As a CEO, I know firsthand that delegation sometimes means conceding power to other employees beneath you–and you have to be okay with that. An HR manager carries the vital responsibility of being a neutral party in disputes, and they need to be free to tell management when they are in the wrong. Keeping those roles separate is the only way to let an HR manager be fully neutral.
An HR manager who is also a general manager is a potential conflict of interest. HR managers are generally at their best when they can work a neutral intermediary between conflicted parties, instead of the one making the decisions and having to enforce them. Employees are more intimidated when going to a HR manager, when that manager decides whether or not they can lose their job.
guide at Universal Life Paths
Answered 4 years ago
After years in sales & Sales Mgmt., I feel that the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" approach worked best when faced with several tasks; "Do ONE thing & do it Right."!! If the Private company is Small, less than 100 employees; then the Owner/CEO would be more hands on and involved with the growth of the business. An HR Mgr. might divide their attention between HR duties & Management of the Daily production, Scheduling, Shipping/Receiving or any variety of departments & their managers. HR Mgr.s look for the Asset value in people & their abilities or skills. Dept. heads look at the Production Floor for profits & to HR to manage the personnel. If the company is larger, the division of time/energy/productivity would be more Obvious.!!