Feeling Undervalued: Should I Accept Reporting to a Less Experienced HR in the US?

I am an HR Manager and have been reporting directly to the CEO for more than 8 years. In my last company, I served for over 3 years and reported directly to the CTO. After some time, a new HR professional joined from the US with no proper HR qualification, just a sales background, and pressured me to report to her. I complied, and my management diplomatically observed the situation. She left due to non-performance, and I resumed reporting to my CTO.

A year later, another new HR professional with an accounts background and minimal HR knowledge wants me to report to her. I am really frustrated now.

Experience and Qualifications

I have a total of 14 years of experience in HR with proper educational qualifications and industry experience. I do not want to report to a counterpart in the USA. Please advise. Am I correct? Please advise, seniors.

Challenges and Concerns

I have been with this company from the beginning and have established a strong presence in Chennai operations. Despite facing numerous challenges, suddenly being asked to report to a newly joined HR professional in the US is truly frustrating. I feel very demotivated. Should I leave my job and look for a new one? Please advise. I have worked in IT companies for the last 14 years.

I am looking for your early response as I need guidance from all of you!

I understand what you must be going through, and in fact, most HR personnel know what it feels like. I work in an IT company myself, in a similar profile with a similar issue.

One thing you can be certain of is that this is common in all industries. HR is still a support and non-revenue generating function as far as Indian-based management is concerned. The US counterpart is just trying to take control. If your management is watching diplomatically, then I guess you should be diplomatic as well. Your experience should count here in walking their walk, however, ensure it's your path.

All the best!

Regards

I would quote "Change is the way of life." If we really analyze, every change may bring with it a few positives.

Opportunities in Change

I would suggest that we should look at the situation more broadly. If the HR head is from a finance background, it may be a good opportunity to learn HR from a financial (analytics) perspective. If from sales, it could give new ideas on how to anticipate and resolve the needs of internal customers. These two aspects are the game changers for HR in this decade; in fact, HR business partnering revolves around these pillars.

Being from an HR background, one could have an edge by surprising the manager with one's knowledge and helping the manager resolve complex issues proficiently.

Proposing Dual Reporting

As far as reporting is concerned, you may propose to have dual reporting in the US and India. Since the manager and reportee are separated geographically and in time zones, it will also make sense. This way, you will continue to maintain your local relationships.

Considerations Before Changing Jobs

Changing jobs may not be a solution since one does not know about the challenges in the new organization, which could be far more than your current company. It could be a different type of challenge that you may face, such as the stability of the company, culture in the company, behavior of colleagues, etc.

Hope this helps.

I also suggest the same thing and act diplomatically. In India, HR people are often treated as non-revenue-generating individuals and a burden on the company. However, the fact is that without HR or support personnel, a company cannot function.

If you join a new company, you may encounter more problems than this. So, it's up to you to decide. My suggestion is to continue until you get a new opportunity.

HR Leadership in Public Sector Industries

Even in many public sector industries, the HR department is often headed by technical personnel. This has its own advantages and disadvantages for HR professionals. This is not to belittle the role of HR personnel, who are the framework on which an organization functions.

Having said that, it is your call to decide on staying or quitting. But be aware that you would be in a weaker position to negotiate after giving up your job. All the best.

Regards