This is a very interesting topic, one can pen a book on this, in fact most books on the subject deal with this topic.
Those that have gone through their MBA in HR will remember what the books say as to the role of HR.
HR is an activity that links employees to Management/organization. HR facilitates the practice of rules pertaining to employees with respect to their work environments, their compensation and growth. HR is supposed to devise policies that will keep employees happy in their work as thus with the organization.
The role of an HR is well defined in MNCs however, sadly, yet true this is not the case in Local organizations. They are used to recruit and police the employees, they are made to be the BAD boys. In such organizations just to keep their jobs those in HR toe the line of management even if it is detrimental to employee well being.
A good organization will have a strong HR group that can advise management on employee well being and growth.
HR function is more of a people management work since they are in close touch with employees and management.
They must be strong and able to convey their thoughts to management is they feel that things are not going as they should. If the HR group acts as lackey of management then there is no hope.
One has to be very tactful when dealing with management. In fact they should try and mold management towards the better way of dealing with employees. This is "easier said than done" but needs to be done.
I trust all in HR will try and be as good as they can without any threat to their jobs.