HR Seen As A Transactional Function Rather Than Transformational Function: Kisha Gupta, Global Head Of Academic Relations, Infosys

At the BW People CEO Conclave in New Delhi, there was a panel discussion on what CEOs want from CHROs, which was moderated by Gaurav Chaubey, Director, Grant Thornton.

“We need to see how expectations of CEO of CHROs have evolved. We are seeing a technology revolution and structures are changing," said Chaubey.

“The change has become rapid and unexpected. CEO might know what kind of people he needs. The first requirement from CHRO is a person who understands people, profession, and business. CHRO should be able to assist the CEO in finding out what the CEO needs from people. A CEO won’t want a narrow-minded HR person," said Gurdeep S Hora, Managing Director, Synergy Consultants.

Puja Kapoor, CHRO, Evalueserve, said, “What really hits my mind is that the maturity cycle of the organization reflects in the CEO and their expectations from a CHRO. There comes a time when a large organization is stabilizing and the expectations from CHRO is very different. CHRO can be the sounding board which can integrate the sensitivity required. It should be an employee-led organization, from an employer-led organization.”

“I have worked with several brands in 63 countries. One thing I have learnt is that HR was seen as a transactional function, rather than transformational function. The department which deals with organization, training and recruitment according to the definition. HR should be a transformational partner," said Kisha Gupta, Global Head of Academic Relations, Infosys.

James Thomas, Country Manager, India, Kronos Incorporated, said, “Workplace trends are rapidly changing. How can the CHRO unlock my potential as a CEO? People are going to be the most competitive differentiator for any organization. Technology has got into all our lives. How do personalize within the standardized world? How do we get the best out of the employee? I would expect the CHRO to support CEO decisions. Today CHRO needs to get more data-driven, in terms of insights. I think we need to move to an insightful HR who proactively understanding employees. The HR function needs to stay ahead of the curve."

“People stay with you if there is a good culture. I would put culture on top. The CHRO has a huge responsibility to define the talent of the organization which it requires in the next 5 years. CHROs should walk uninvited to business meetings," said BN Thammaiah, MD, Kelly Services India.

Kushal Agarwal, Co-founder, XOXODAY, said “We have grown as an organization, from appointing where there was no HR, and now we understand how critical HR is. HR has to work hand-in-hand with the CEO."