Chasing the rainbow: how seeking status through strategy misses the point for the personnel function

Personnel functions are increasing their involvement in human resource strategy and decreasing their involvement in operational personnel issues. This is generally seen as being fundamental to the achievement of any of the visions of HRM as a change from personnel management and the consequent increase in the status and influence of the personnel function. The paper, based on ESRC‐funded research in 214 British businesses, questions the assumption that relying on strategic involvement, while “giving away” operational and technical personnel activities, will increase the influence of the personnel function.