Citibank HR Image Feedback

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What was one of the challenges faced at country level when trying to shift HR towards a more strategic role?

Excessive number of staff

Strong presence of HR consultants

Lack of technology resources

Restructuring of the bank along global lines (correct)

Why did some HR officers feel that lack of a strategic approach was a strength?

It demonstrated that they were adaptable to change

It allowed them to work on their own agenda

It indicated that they were not driven by business needs

It showed they were driven by the business needs, not their own agenda (correct)

What was a reason for the HR department's difficulty in transitioning from a transactional role to a consulting role?

Overemphasis on strategic planning

Need for acquiring new skills (correct)

Insufficient budget allocation

Lack of understanding of HR policies

How did the Travelers merger impact the HR department by 2000?

Reduced the need for a highly influential HR function Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason given for the lack of implementation of major changes by some HR officers?

Time constraints and being understaffed Signup and view all the answers

Why was it challenging for the HR department to manage a global organization after restructuring?

Difficulty transitioning from geographical silos Signup and view all the answers

According to the comments, what was the general perception of HR within Citibank?

HR was viewed as important but not particularly excellent Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the merger seem to have on the HR function at Citibank?

It led to a period of uncertainty and loss of strategic direction for HR Signup and view all the answers

How did the 'Voice of the Employee' focus groups impact the HR representative?

They were left feeling exhausted and depressed by the criticism towards HR Signup and view all the answers

What approach did some senior HR members seem to be taking to regain strategic importance?

Attempting to improve communication and provide clearer direction Signup and view all the answers

Based on the comments, which HR activity was viewed as particularly unimportant by employees?

Filling out car application forms Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the HR function's role prior to the merger?

There is insufficient information to make an inference Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the significant investment made in HR information systems?

To free up time for strategic matters Signup and view all the answers

Which culture and management style began to dominate within the bank after the merger?

Travelers culture Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of initiatives that had been developed earlier after the merger?

Abandoned Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the weaknesses identified in the HR department post-merger?

Transactional focus Signup and view all the answers

What was the perception of HR department members regarding planning and implementing an overarching HR strategy?

'Our strength is our ability to keep a thousand balls in the air' Signup and view all the answers

How did the downsizing of the HR department impact its ability to focus on strategic matters?

Little time left for planning and implementing an overarching HR strategy Signup and view all the answers