Human Resources: Is HR Out of Control?
Once known as 'personnel', HR now plays a central role in how businesses are run. How did it rise so fast, and what does its growing influence mean for the workplace?
Once known as 鈥減ersonnel鈥, Human Resources seems to have become a real centre of power in modern business. No longer just handing out payslips or organising the Christmas party, HR now shapes company culture, influences major decisions and 鈥 some say 鈥 acts as a kind of corporate police force and judiciary. The profession has doubled in size over the past two decades and grown in authority. How did it rise so fast and what does its growing influence mean for the workplace? Evan Davis and guests discuss how HR seemingly took control of the corporate agenda and ask whether company bosses have delegated too much power to a profession that comes with its own code of values and priorities.
Guests:
Neil Morrison, HR Director, Severn Trent
Nicole Whittaker, Associate Director of HR Consultancy, Peninsula
Pamela Dow, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Civic Future
Production team:
Presenter: Evan Davis
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Sound: Pat Sissons and Duncan Hannant
Editor: Matt Willis
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 16 Oct 2025 12:04麻豆社 Radio 4
- Tue 21 Oct 2025 21:30麻豆社 Radio 4
Podcast
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The Bottom Line
The definitive business podcast from the 麻豆社. Hosted by Evan Davis.