Paths to the top: do assignments outside HR pay off?

Article Type: Abstracts From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 20, Issue 4

Fox A.HR Magazine (USA), November 2011, Vol. 56 No. 11, Start page: 30, No. of pages: 6

Points out that around a quarter of US human resource directors or executives have not worked in human resources but have moved into the role from another part of the organization. Looks at whether this indicates that human resource managers, who want to build their careers in human resources management, should try to get experience of working in other areas of the organization, particularly operational areas. Quotes those who argue that this is essential and those who argue that human resource managers can gain an in-depth understanding of the different areas within the organization without working in them. Discusses how those who want to get experience of working in areas outside human resources management can do this, including going on assignments or taking part in project teams. Insets summarize the careers of senior human resource managers, explaining how they got experience outside of human resource management and the advantages this offered to them.ISSN: 1047-3149Reference: 41AA560

Keywords: Human resource management, Senior management,Skills, Career development