Hi Seniors, Please guide me.
I am working in a small organization where the hierarchy is very flat, and the exposure is limited. However, I have been offered a promotion as an HR Manager there.
Simultaneously, I have an offer from a larger organization where the exposure is much better, but the role is for an HR Executive.
What should I opt for?
From India, New Delhi
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I am working in a small organization where the hierarchy is very flat, and the exposure is limited. However, I have been offered a promotion as an HR Manager there.
Simultaneously, I have an offer from a larger organization where the exposure is much better, but the role is for an HR Executive.
What should I opt for?
From India, New Delhi
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Hey Priya,
Your subject was so funny... "desi HR". I looked into your message just because of that. Kidding. It depends on what you wish to accomplish in life actually. "Position in an organisation" is less important than responsibility, decision power, and value one adds to a company. In the long run, what you have learned and can accomplish matters for any organization and also for your institution. I will never join an organization that gives me a position of CEO and asks me to work as a peon. Will you??
My suggestion for the current situation is to accept the HR manager post and add value to your organization and make it happen like the ones at Reliance and TATA. All the best.
ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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297Your subject was so funny... "desi HR". I looked into your message just because of that. Kidding. It depends on what you wish to accomplish in life actually. "Position in an organisation" is less important than responsibility, decision power, and value one adds to a company. In the long run, what you have learned and can accomplish matters for any organization and also for your institution. I will never join an organization that gives me a position of CEO and asks me to work as a peon. Will you??
My suggestion for the current situation is to accept the HR manager post and add value to your organization and make it happen like the ones at Reliance and TATA. All the best.
ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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Thanks for the reply.
I want to know, despite working as an HR Manager, I will not be getting exposure as an HR Manager in a big organization. Is it the right move to be an HR Executive in a small organization? I have spent four years in this organization and have reached the HR Manager role, but I do not have complete exposure to the HR Manager role.
From India, New Delhi
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I want to know, despite working as an HR Manager, I will not be getting exposure as an HR Manager in a big organization. Is it the right move to be an HR Executive in a small organization? I have spent four years in this organization and have reached the HR Manager role, but I do not have complete exposure to the HR Manager role.
From India, New Delhi
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Hi Priya,
Even I've felt the same thing, but my experience is somewhat different. Earlier, I had joined the so-called big organization, but I was used to getting signatures on various papers. Even there, I was not learning much. Now, due to some reasons, I've joined this small company, but it's been giving me the time to learn new things about how things can be managed with limited resources. Here, no one is complaining. They are concerned about their work, and moreover, they are more than helpful because there is no fear that one will get more or less.
In short, I am enjoying and learning, which was not possible there because of work pressure and time limits. I am planning to spend quite some time here to become fully efficient, and then I'll search for a bigger organization. I can say I am in my training period and getting myself ready for further challenges. I hope this would be of some use to you. Wish you good luck.
Regards,
Bhanu
From India, Ludhiana
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Even I've felt the same thing, but my experience is somewhat different. Earlier, I had joined the so-called big organization, but I was used to getting signatures on various papers. Even there, I was not learning much. Now, due to some reasons, I've joined this small company, but it's been giving me the time to learn new things about how things can be managed with limited resources. Here, no one is complaining. They are concerned about their work, and moreover, they are more than helpful because there is no fear that one will get more or less.
In short, I am enjoying and learning, which was not possible there because of work pressure and time limits. I am planning to spend quite some time here to become fully efficient, and then I'll search for a bigger organization. I can say I am in my training period and getting myself ready for further challenges. I hope this would be of some use to you. Wish you good luck.
Regards,
Bhanu
From India, Ludhiana
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Big or small is a mindset and moreover the need of the hour. Don't just take it for granted that big organizations have great HR practices and small ones don't, or vice versa. It all depends on the viewpoint of the board whether to rank HR as a support and facilitator or a department that is also responsible for mentoring and overall development of employees. My suggestion would be, please don't be biased based on the designation or size of the company. It's the versatile exposure not only in HR but also in financial, branding, and strategy that matters a lot in the long run.
From India, Bangalore
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From India, Bangalore
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Dear Priya,
I believe you should make use of the opportunity of being a Manager - HR. Because, along with the promotion, I am sure you would also have decision-making authority in the kit. Once you have experience as an HR Manager (by this, I mean managing HR for the entire unit) for a small unit - probably after a couple of years, you may want to explore opportunities with MNCs that have business units at different locations. You may be given an opportunity to be in charge of that one small unit - but in a big organization. Slowly, you will have the opportunity to manage two to three units at a time. Make use of this.
In huge organizations, systems may be followed, and your role will be very confined to a specific activity. Even if you have knowledge in some areas, people may not seek your suggestions just because you will be caught in a hierarchy trap here.
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I have corrected the spelling and grammar errors in the text while ensuring proper paragraph formatting and preserving the original meaning and tone.
From India, Madras
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I believe you should make use of the opportunity of being a Manager - HR. Because, along with the promotion, I am sure you would also have decision-making authority in the kit. Once you have experience as an HR Manager (by this, I mean managing HR for the entire unit) for a small unit - probably after a couple of years, you may want to explore opportunities with MNCs that have business units at different locations. You may be given an opportunity to be in charge of that one small unit - but in a big organization. Slowly, you will have the opportunity to manage two to three units at a time. Make use of this.
In huge organizations, systems may be followed, and your role will be very confined to a specific activity. Even if you have knowledge in some areas, people may not seek your suggestions just because you will be caught in a hierarchy trap here.
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I have corrected the spelling and grammar errors in the text while ensuring proper paragraph formatting and preserving the original meaning and tone.
From India, Madras
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Dear Priya,
Please try to analyze the following points within yourself. What is a big organization according to you? Is it the one with more turnover? The one with thousands of people and many locations? The one with very big brand names? It depends. A garment manufacturing company may have thousands of people but still may not reach half of the revenue of IT or service companies.
Many well-known big brands have a negligible number of people. Not every organization can be a Reliance or TATA.
Regardless of revenue and the number of people, the basic role of HR remains the same, whether it is a 20-people organization or a 20,000-people organization. The only factor is that handling more people requires more HR professionals, and the role gets divided and distributed.
Exposures may vary, and we must decide what kind of exposure we aim for. Is it IR orientation? Is it corporate orientation? Is it plant HR management? It is a misconception that only exposure in corporate or big organizations gives an advantage.
There are career scopes with diverse experiences. Therefore, kindly decide what you want first, and then the choice will be clear.
Best regards,
Dayanand L. Guddin
Senior Head - Human Resources
Bobst India
From Singapore, Singapore
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Please try to analyze the following points within yourself. What is a big organization according to you? Is it the one with more turnover? The one with thousands of people and many locations? The one with very big brand names? It depends. A garment manufacturing company may have thousands of people but still may not reach half of the revenue of IT or service companies.
Many well-known big brands have a negligible number of people. Not every organization can be a Reliance or TATA.
Regardless of revenue and the number of people, the basic role of HR remains the same, whether it is a 20-people organization or a 20,000-people organization. The only factor is that handling more people requires more HR professionals, and the role gets divided and distributed.
Exposures may vary, and we must decide what kind of exposure we aim for. Is it IR orientation? Is it corporate orientation? Is it plant HR management? It is a misconception that only exposure in corporate or big organizations gives an advantage.
There are career scopes with diverse experiences. Therefore, kindly decide what you want first, and then the choice will be clear.
Best regards,
Dayanand L. Guddin
Senior Head - Human Resources
Bobst India
From Singapore, Singapore
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Hi Priya,
According to me, small organizations offer you more challenging jobs. What I meant is a job of a generalist, wherein you have the opportunity to explore each aspect of HR, whereas big organizations normally offer the role of a specialist. In your case, since you have already gained 4 years of experience in a small organization, I am sure you might have learned a lot. Now, it's time to take one step up in your career chart. A position that comes with responsibilities, decision-making abilities, and experience. So, if you are offered a role as an HR manager, please grab the opportunity since you will be exposed to more challenging roles. If you consider Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory, one has to climb up, and it will keep you self-motivated to reach the top. How long will you work in the same position?
Regards,
Priyanka
From India, Mumbai
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According to me, small organizations offer you more challenging jobs. What I meant is a job of a generalist, wherein you have the opportunity to explore each aspect of HR, whereas big organizations normally offer the role of a specialist. In your case, since you have already gained 4 years of experience in a small organization, I am sure you might have learned a lot. Now, it's time to take one step up in your career chart. A position that comes with responsibilities, decision-making abilities, and experience. So, if you are offered a role as an HR manager, please grab the opportunity since you will be exposed to more challenging roles. If you consider Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory, one has to climb up, and it will keep you self-motivated to reach the top. How long will you work in the same position?
Regards,
Priyanka
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Priya,
Big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? To be or not to be? As suggested by senior colleagues, I would like to be the big fish in a small pond! Who knows, the small pond may grow bigger in the years to come?
A word of caution though... As an HR manager, you will be responsible and accountable for several legal and statutory compliances which may not be in place currently in your organization. These you will have to introduce all by yourself. The people management skills you will learn as they come, one day at a time. You may request some senior friends or colleagues to be your mentor to guide you in your career.
ALL THE BEST!
From India, Mumbai
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Big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? To be or not to be? As suggested by senior colleagues, I would like to be the big fish in a small pond! Who knows, the small pond may grow bigger in the years to come?
A word of caution though... As an HR manager, you will be responsible and accountable for several legal and statutory compliances which may not be in place currently in your organization. These you will have to introduce all by yourself. The people management skills you will learn as they come, one day at a time. You may request some senior friends or colleagues to be your mentor to guide you in your career.
ALL THE BEST!
From India, Mumbai
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According to me, knowledge and exposure will always support you. If you are starting your career, exposure is a must as HR plays a vital role in an organization. Suppose, in any case, your present management changes because of any external factor, your situation becomes more critical. You need to cope up with the market, management, etc., which will depend on your knowledge and expertise.
Secondly, if you accept the fact that learning is important, then you need to leave your comfort zone.
From Japan
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Secondly, if you accept the fact that learning is important, then you need to leave your comfort zone.
From Japan
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Dear Priya,
Name and fame of the company doesn't matter. What's important is the responsibility you are carrying compared to the responsibility the other company is assigning to you. Other factors to consider include your career aspirations in both companies, exposure, pay package, delegation of authority, reporting structure (to whom you have to report), and working conditions, etc.
From India, Patna
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Name and fame of the company doesn't matter. What's important is the responsibility you are carrying compared to the responsibility the other company is assigning to you. Other factors to consider include your career aspirations in both companies, exposure, pay package, delegation of authority, reporting structure (to whom you have to report), and working conditions, etc.
From India, Patna
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Dear Priya,
According to me, you should opt for an HR Executive position in a large organization because the various facets of HR will be more intensive, and your learning will be richer and more robust compared to being an HR Manager in a small organization. The option of becoming an HR Manager will always be open to you, even if you spend time in a big organization as an HR Executive.
From India, Ghaziabad
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According to me, you should opt for an HR Executive position in a large organization because the various facets of HR will be more intensive, and your learning will be richer and more robust compared to being an HR Manager in a small organization. The option of becoming an HR Manager will always be open to you, even if you spend time in a big organization as an HR Executive.
From India, Ghaziabad
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Hi Priya,
I think designation is more important in any organization, but meanwhile, check the job profile also. From my point of view, if you are an HR manager in a small company, then you have lots of respected responsibilities. As an executive level in a big company, I think you won't explore yourself because they are doing the same work continuously.
Even I also joined a newly startup company as an HR Manager, and here my job responsibilities are touching all areas of HR. As a challenge, I have accepted this, and now I am feeling I am at a comfortable level.
Regards,
Sweta
From India, Bangalore
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I think designation is more important in any organization, but meanwhile, check the job profile also. From my point of view, if you are an HR manager in a small company, then you have lots of respected responsibilities. As an executive level in a big company, I think you won't explore yourself because they are doing the same work continuously.
Even I also joined a newly startup company as an HR Manager, and here my job responsibilities are touching all areas of HR. As a challenge, I have accepted this, and now I am feeling I am at a comfortable level.
Regards,
Sweta
From India, Bangalore
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Role, designation, size of the company, management style, and company culture—all are important for an HR Management professional, I believe. As you have already been promoted as an HR Manager, it is better not to join a big organization as an Executive if you are not quite sure of the role and nature of responsibilities (who knows, whether you would be considered as a 'glorified office assistant' there).
There are many things that large organizations can offer—like centralized corporate HR to look after policies, hiring, and systems and decentralized line HR, i.e., HR Partners would be looking after shop floors or business units. The simple management style or less hierarchical model in small or medium-sized organizations may not necessarily be part of all large organizations.
From India, Bangalore
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There are many things that large organizations can offer—like centralized corporate HR to look after policies, hiring, and systems and decentralized line HR, i.e., HR Partners would be looking after shop floors or business units. The simple management style or less hierarchical model in small or medium-sized organizations may not necessarily be part of all large organizations.
From India, Bangalore
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Hi Priya,
A very interesting dilemma, but I beg to differ from all the other seniors. As an HR executive in a large organization, what are your roles and responsibilities? Sometimes, you get a lot of exposure to a variety of issues in core HR in large organizations, which the smaller organizations may not provide.
A profile from a larger organization will definitely seem better as you advance further in your career. When you are applying for senior posts, you can show that you have the background of having worked in larger companies. I would suggest you move into the HR executive role. Good luck!
Sree
From India, Madras
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A very interesting dilemma, but I beg to differ from all the other seniors. As an HR executive in a large organization, what are your roles and responsibilities? Sometimes, you get a lot of exposure to a variety of issues in core HR in large organizations, which the smaller organizations may not provide.
A profile from a larger organization will definitely seem better as you advance further in your career. When you are applying for senior posts, you can show that you have the background of having worked in larger companies. I would suggest you move into the HR executive role. Good luck!
Sree
From India, Madras
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Dear Priya,
It's good that you are getting promoted to HR Manager. As you mentioned, you are currently working in a small company with limited hierarchy. The points to keep in mind are your present role and the role that will be given to you after becoming HR manager.
Once you are promoted to HR manager, you will be responsible for all HR activities. This promotion will provide you with exposure to various statutory and other HR functions.
If your role as an HR manager only increases slightly, it may pose a problem when applying for executive positions in other companies. They might expect you to have the same level of responsibilities as you currently do. Without the necessary exposure to HR manager functions, it could be challenging to adapt.
Ultimately, the decision rests with you. If you believe this promotion will offer valuable exposure, then joining the new company would be beneficial. Remember, learning is an ongoing process. While designation is essential, continuously acquiring new skills and enhancing your talents will make you a valuable asset in any organization.
All the best,
Sharma
From India, Hyderabad
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It's good that you are getting promoted to HR Manager. As you mentioned, you are currently working in a small company with limited hierarchy. The points to keep in mind are your present role and the role that will be given to you after becoming HR manager.
Once you are promoted to HR manager, you will be responsible for all HR activities. This promotion will provide you with exposure to various statutory and other HR functions.
If your role as an HR manager only increases slightly, it may pose a problem when applying for executive positions in other companies. They might expect you to have the same level of responsibilities as you currently do. Without the necessary exposure to HR manager functions, it could be challenging to adapt.
Ultimately, the decision rests with you. If you believe this promotion will offer valuable exposure, then joining the new company would be beneficial. Remember, learning is an ongoing process. While designation is essential, continuously acquiring new skills and enhancing your talents will make you a valuable asset in any organization.
All the best,
Sharma
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi Priya,
Don't get confused with the lot of suggestions given by many seniors. At some point, they are all correct, but you need to make the final call. To help HR professionals in their career planning, there is an association that assists HR professionals in their career planning and advancement. Write to them, and you will receive the right guidance from the experts associated with this HR professionals' association, who will show you the right path for career planning.
Visit their website at <link no longer exists - removed> and contact them via the email address provided. I am one of the beneficiaries of this association for my career plan.
Regards,
Shruti
From India, Bangalore
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Don't get confused with the lot of suggestions given by many seniors. At some point, they are all correct, but you need to make the final call. To help HR professionals in their career planning, there is an association that assists HR professionals in their career planning and advancement. Write to them, and you will receive the right guidance from the experts associated with this HR professionals' association, who will show you the right path for career planning.
Visit their website at <link no longer exists - removed> and contact them via the email address provided. I am one of the beneficiaries of this association for my career plan.
Regards,
Shruti
From India, Bangalore
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Hi Priya,
Learning is more important than anything. You don't have to know everything already just because you are being promoted. Take it up as a challenge, learn new things, and implement them at your workplace. It will give you immense pleasure and job satisfaction. You will get to handle all the HR activities unlike in big companies where you work only on a few elements.
Arpita
From India, Hyderabad
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Learning is more important than anything. You don't have to know everything already just because you are being promoted. Take it up as a challenge, learn new things, and implement them at your workplace. It will give you immense pleasure and job satisfaction. You will get to handle all the HR activities unlike in big companies where you work only on a few elements.
Arpita
From India, Hyderabad
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Organization are not big or small the people who are working in there should be small or big. shamrose
From Pakistan, Lahore
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From Pakistan, Lahore
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It is not important whether you will be a manager, an executive, in a small organization, or a big organization. What is more important is what you want to learn, your responsibilities, and decision-making power. These aspects are often more attainable in a small organization rather than a big one.
Pankaj
From India, Pune
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Pankaj
From India, Pune
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Dear all,
This response is just to say "Thank you." I know all of you were talking to Priya but unknowingly, you all have helped me a lot.
2 months ago, I had posted the same question but got no response. So, for the past 6 months, all the questions raised and the answers given by all of you have helped to clear this fog in my head!
Being a fresher from an MBA institute, I joined as a manager in a stockbroking firm; so I was a big fish in a small pond. My learning has been vast and from practical experience. I have now also been engaged in OD (along with my generalist profile), which involves complete restructuring of the entire company. I don't think many people/freshers get this opportunity to do this. It is a typical case of "family business wanting to turn professional and receiving resistance from long-timers." A perfect textbook case, but I need to adopt a different approach to tackle this considering the type of business we are in.
Though the pay is nothing I can brag about with my friends, I am learning so much that I am actually scared of leaving to explore greener pastures! If you had asked me whether I would work for a big or small organization before I joined this company, I would have definitely said "big company" because in my brain "big company = nice pay package."
Coming to the point, Priya, though I understand what you are going through, given your experience, I suggest trying the manager deal (from one manager to the other in a small company!). Make changes. Be the change. Fight, convince, and implement. The experience and the thrill of this are, trust me, different. If you still feel nothing is happening then move! Then you will have 5 years of experience under your belt with one year of experience as a Manager (so your responsibilities and experience would be vast). Take this year also as a chance to learn all you can from forums, discussion boards. Keep yourself updated. I don't think there is a need to join any course. Self-learning is the best way you can learn. And try and implement this learning into the organization! Get the support from your seniors, etc.
I hope this helps. Thank you for posting your question. You have helped me unknowingly!
Regards,
Avanti
From India, Mumbai
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This response is just to say "Thank you." I know all of you were talking to Priya but unknowingly, you all have helped me a lot.
2 months ago, I had posted the same question but got no response. So, for the past 6 months, all the questions raised and the answers given by all of you have helped to clear this fog in my head!
Being a fresher from an MBA institute, I joined as a manager in a stockbroking firm; so I was a big fish in a small pond. My learning has been vast and from practical experience. I have now also been engaged in OD (along with my generalist profile), which involves complete restructuring of the entire company. I don't think many people/freshers get this opportunity to do this. It is a typical case of "family business wanting to turn professional and receiving resistance from long-timers." A perfect textbook case, but I need to adopt a different approach to tackle this considering the type of business we are in.
Though the pay is nothing I can brag about with my friends, I am learning so much that I am actually scared of leaving to explore greener pastures! If you had asked me whether I would work for a big or small organization before I joined this company, I would have definitely said "big company" because in my brain "big company = nice pay package."
Coming to the point, Priya, though I understand what you are going through, given your experience, I suggest trying the manager deal (from one manager to the other in a small company!). Make changes. Be the change. Fight, convince, and implement. The experience and the thrill of this are, trust me, different. If you still feel nothing is happening then move! Then you will have 5 years of experience under your belt with one year of experience as a Manager (so your responsibilities and experience would be vast). Take this year also as a chance to learn all you can from forums, discussion boards. Keep yourself updated. I don't think there is a need to join any course. Self-learning is the best way you can learn. And try and implement this learning into the organization! Get the support from your seniors, etc.
I hope this helps. Thank you for posting your question. You have helped me unknowingly!
Regards,
Avanti
From India, Mumbai
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Dear All: I do agree with this statement. Why because currently I am working for a small organization as a Head - HR, but here I am not getting any good exposer. Thanks and Regards
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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Dear Priya,
It's true that when you work with a big organization, people see you differently. However, in a small organization, you get an excellent opportunity to perform, contribute, and be recognized. I have also worked with a small company, and my experience was excellent. In a small company, you remain in direct contact with directors. Due to the fewer number of employees, the politics remain out of the workplace, which is the biggest advantage of working with a small company.
This gives a great platform for a performer to excel.
Regards,
Pankaj
From India, Chandigarh
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It's true that when you work with a big organization, people see you differently. However, in a small organization, you get an excellent opportunity to perform, contribute, and be recognized. I have also worked with a small company, and my experience was excellent. In a small company, you remain in direct contact with directors. Due to the fewer number of employees, the politics remain out of the workplace, which is the biggest advantage of working with a small company.
This gives a great platform for a performer to excel.
Regards,
Pankaj
From India, Chandigarh
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Hi Priya,
Hi, you should accept it because it will make you more confident by having more responsibilities and help you in the future to develop the required skills. If you are getting promoted, it means your place would be vacant. Can I get the opportunity to work as I have 2 years of work experience in HR and am currently looking for a job?
My email id: aarti_lokare1983@yahoo.com
From India
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Hi, you should accept it because it will make you more confident by having more responsibilities and help you in the future to develop the required skills. If you are getting promoted, it means your place would be vacant. Can I get the opportunity to work as I have 2 years of work experience in HR and am currently looking for a job?
My email id: aarti_lokare1983@yahoo.com
From India
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Dear Priya,
I believe that working in a small organization gives you more exposure in the sense that you don't have a bigger team to work with; instead, you have to manage things on your own. That's where you learn, as you are handling things independently. By seeking help and suggestions from a forum like this, you will become a self-made person.
However, in a larger organization, it may take you several years to reach a certain position. The kind of exposure you receive in a smaller organization will take much longer to attain in larger ones.
So, my suggestion to you is, if you want to gain in-depth knowledge, choose a smaller organization and start taking on responsibilities independently. You can also introduce good HR practices within your organization.
All the best to you.
Regards,
Ruchika
From India, Hyderabad
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I believe that working in a small organization gives you more exposure in the sense that you don't have a bigger team to work with; instead, you have to manage things on your own. That's where you learn, as you are handling things independently. By seeking help and suggestions from a forum like this, you will become a self-made person.
However, in a larger organization, it may take you several years to reach a certain position. The kind of exposure you receive in a smaller organization will take much longer to attain in larger ones.
So, my suggestion to you is, if you want to gain in-depth knowledge, choose a smaller organization and start taking on responsibilities independently. You can also introduce good HR practices within your organization.
All the best to you.
Regards,
Ruchika
From India, Hyderabad
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Dear Priya,
Nice question. By now, you have received several suggestions and pieces of advice from several learned seniors.
But I am of the view, it all depends on your liking, whether you prefer to be powerful or powerless.
Being a manager means enjoying decision-making power, participating in policy planning to be followed by others, and commanding respect.
On the other hand, being an executive in a subordinate position means you are driven by the power of someone else, like a horse before a cart. You will not enjoy any decision-making power, have to follow others and their policies blindly (even if not willing to do so), and will be looked down upon by seniors and superiors.
I don't know what your interpretation of good exposure in a big organization and lesser exposure in a small organization is. Don't think that as an executive, you would be the sole person to take charge of several aspects of HR.
It is not my view but several years of experience in different positions, right from the smallest unit to the highest corporate setup. In a big organization, a person gets very limited exposure to a particular job/discipline because the functions are divided into parts distributed among different employees. This results in fragmented exposure in a big organization. Conversely, in a small organization, a person with a position experiences good and bad aspects of all functions of a discipline simultaneously. This prepares them to face any job challenge based on their broad experience. Due to my rich experience and exposure gained in small organizations, authorities higher in rank continue to consult me even after eight years of retirement on various management aspects.
So, the decision rests solely on your perception of big or small organizations, how much you have learned in a small organization, and whether you prefer a position of power or subordination!
P S Dhingra
Management Consultant
Dhinga Group of Consultants
New Delhi
From India, Delhi
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Nice question. By now, you have received several suggestions and pieces of advice from several learned seniors.
But I am of the view, it all depends on your liking, whether you prefer to be powerful or powerless.
Being a manager means enjoying decision-making power, participating in policy planning to be followed by others, and commanding respect.
On the other hand, being an executive in a subordinate position means you are driven by the power of someone else, like a horse before a cart. You will not enjoy any decision-making power, have to follow others and their policies blindly (even if not willing to do so), and will be looked down upon by seniors and superiors.
I don't know what your interpretation of good exposure in a big organization and lesser exposure in a small organization is. Don't think that as an executive, you would be the sole person to take charge of several aspects of HR.
It is not my view but several years of experience in different positions, right from the smallest unit to the highest corporate setup. In a big organization, a person gets very limited exposure to a particular job/discipline because the functions are divided into parts distributed among different employees. This results in fragmented exposure in a big organization. Conversely, in a small organization, a person with a position experiences good and bad aspects of all functions of a discipline simultaneously. This prepares them to face any job challenge based on their broad experience. Due to my rich experience and exposure gained in small organizations, authorities higher in rank continue to consult me even after eight years of retirement on various management aspects.
So, the decision rests solely on your perception of big or small organizations, how much you have learned in a small organization, and whether you prefer a position of power or subordination!
P S Dhingra
Management Consultant
Dhinga Group of Consultants
New Delhi
From India, Delhi
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The question to ask is which of the two opportunities will offer you the greatest satisfaction and gain in the long run? What are your personal goals and what type of timetable have you placed yourself on in order to achieve them.
In either position, what type of training and developmental programs will you have access to in order to personally grow? What is the peak position you can move into over time? What is the career path being offered?
In either position, will you be part of the strategic planning or executive management team? Will you have access to senior management and setting policy within the organization?
Important questions. Something to ponder.
Dr. Marc
PS 63:7
From United States, Calhoun
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In either position, what type of training and developmental programs will you have access to in order to personally grow? What is the peak position you can move into over time? What is the career path being offered?
In either position, will you be part of the strategic planning or executive management team? Will you have access to senior management and setting policy within the organization?
Important questions. Something to ponder.
Dr. Marc
PS 63:7
From United States, Calhoun
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Hi,
If you are interested in gaining new experiences, consider moving laterally before advancing up and down. Build strong relationships with your current company before exploring opportunities with a new one. If the experience is positive, stay; if not, you can always return to your previous job. Your long-term success depends on your aptitude and interests, not just financial gain. Remember, your career is a serious matter, not a child's game. Understanding the organizational culture is crucial for your development, as you indicated by mentioning "desi HR". Best of luck in your endeavors.
From India, Ludhiana
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If you are interested in gaining new experiences, consider moving laterally before advancing up and down. Build strong relationships with your current company before exploring opportunities with a new one. If the experience is positive, stay; if not, you can always return to your previous job. Your long-term success depends on your aptitude and interests, not just financial gain. Remember, your career is a serious matter, not a child's game. Understanding the organizational culture is crucial for your development, as you indicated by mentioning "desi HR". Best of luck in your endeavors.
From India, Ludhiana
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Hi, Priya, how are you? Before giving you the answer, first tell me, which is more important to you - to be an animal or to live like a man? It's so funny! You think about what you have to do. If you want to live like a queen or a servant, the design is not so important - the way of performance that you are showing is what matters for you and your organization too. So, don't think about your position; think about yourself and your career.
From India, Thana
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From India, Thana
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Hi Priya,
According to me, title and organizational size stand second. First of all, make sure about your responsibility. If you feel that you are going to learn some new concepts/procedures over there in that new organization. Before joining, collect info about the organizational structure (to whom you are going to report and who is your one above manager), and this will help us to make a decision.
Every company has its own policies and procedures. For example, the recruitment process in your company may not be the same as in my company. So, make a comparative study about the positive and negative sides in both organizations. Then you can make your own decision.
Best regards,
Pratheep
9894276231
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According to me, title and organizational size stand second. First of all, make sure about your responsibility. If you feel that you are going to learn some new concepts/procedures over there in that new organization. Before joining, collect info about the organizational structure (to whom you are going to report and who is your one above manager), and this will help us to make a decision.
Every company has its own policies and procedures. For example, the recruitment process in your company may not be the same as in my company. So, make a comparative study about the positive and negative sides in both organizations. Then you can make your own decision.
Best regards,
Pratheep
9894276231
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Dear Priya,
It seems like you will be taking on the Manager's role, and Aarti Lokare is eager to replace you in your current organization! It's a win-win situation for everyone involved - yourself, Aarti, your current company, and your next company as well!
ALL THE BEST, PRIYA and AARTI!!!
From India, Mumbai
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It seems like you will be taking on the Manager's role, and Aarti Lokare is eager to replace you in your current organization! It's a win-win situation for everyone involved - yourself, Aarti, your current company, and your next company as well!
ALL THE BEST, PRIYA and AARTI!!!
From India, Mumbai
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Hi,
I want to tell you that your views are quite unsatisfying for me because in small organizations, you can learn more things compared to big organizations. In big organizations, you can get a particular field to work in because with a large number of employees, handling them is a tedious job. Therefore, in big organizations, management tends to appoint a specific person for a specific job, meaning you will not have many responsibilities to enjoy. However, in small organizations, management prefers to appoint a limited number of people for a wide range of tasks. Therefore, your exposure to work is better in a smaller organization.
After learning many things, you can fit yourself anywhere, whether it is a small or big organization. Keep in mind that the position is not a significant factor; only money and responsibility matter. This is my view, that's all.
Regards,
Suman Parashar
Asst. H.R Manager
From India, Gurgaon
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I want to tell you that your views are quite unsatisfying for me because in small organizations, you can learn more things compared to big organizations. In big organizations, you can get a particular field to work in because with a large number of employees, handling them is a tedious job. Therefore, in big organizations, management tends to appoint a specific person for a specific job, meaning you will not have many responsibilities to enjoy. However, in small organizations, management prefers to appoint a limited number of people for a wide range of tasks. Therefore, your exposure to work is better in a smaller organization.
After learning many things, you can fit yourself anywhere, whether it is a small or big organization. Keep in mind that the position is not a significant factor; only money and responsibility matter. This is my view, that's all.
Regards,
Suman Parashar
Asst. H.R Manager
From India, Gurgaon
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Dear Priya,
As suggested by our friends, my advice for you would also be to go ahead with your current company. You can, in fact, take a leaf out of my book; I have been working with one of the top 3 MNCs in India for the past 2 years but haven't had a chance to learn new things other than recruitments. It's only because of the recession and freeze in the recruitment numbers that I got to work in the L&D department for some time now. There would not be much scope to learn newer things in bigger companies as the process would usually be shared among the team members. I had been in your situation earlier and still regret the fact that I missed a very good offer from a mid-level company a year ago to get into a kind of profile where I need to take care of both recruitments and deployment as well, which would have easily given me an opportunity to go a step ahead of where I am currently. Please think and make a wise decision for yourself.
Cheers,
Kalyan
From India, Hyderabad
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As suggested by our friends, my advice for you would also be to go ahead with your current company. You can, in fact, take a leaf out of my book; I have been working with one of the top 3 MNCs in India for the past 2 years but haven't had a chance to learn new things other than recruitments. It's only because of the recession and freeze in the recruitment numbers that I got to work in the L&D department for some time now. There would not be much scope to learn newer things in bigger companies as the process would usually be shared among the team members. I had been in your situation earlier and still regret the fact that I missed a very good offer from a mid-level company a year ago to get into a kind of profile where I need to take care of both recruitments and deployment as well, which would have easily given me an opportunity to go a step ahead of where I am currently. Please think and make a wise decision for yourself.
Cheers,
Kalyan
From India, Hyderabad
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Desi HR? It took me a while to realize that "desi" was a shortcut used for "designation" :-). Typically, outside India, we call ourselves (the folks with the ethnic background of the Indian Subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.) "desi" (someone from the "desh/country").
The responses here are ranging between two opposites. Thought I would throw in my $0.02 as well.
I worked with a Director of a large company who, in his previous job, was a VP of a relatively smaller (but still a big) company. Keep in mind, a Director reports to a VP (not to be confused with the Director in a company's Board of Directors). This guy essentially moved to a lower position in his next job than he was in a previous job.
Here is the reasoning. I agree with the view that your job title does not matter nearly as much as your job responsibilities. The responsibilities of this VP in the "smaller" company were the kind of responsibilities carried out by a group Director in the "larger" company. It was not technically a "demotion" for him but a lateral (and strategic) move with great potential to quickly grow.
From what you mentioned yourself, you are not getting enough exposure in your current job as you would like. Although you would be (technically) going into a lower position in a larger company, you also mentioned it would be an excellent experience for future growth.
If you accept the promotion and stay in your current job, you would soon be tied to your current job with little scope to grow or move out to a different company. If your exposure in your current job as an HR manager is so much as that of an HR Executive in a larger company, the question you must ask yourself is, "Do I want to accept the HR Executive position today, learn more and grow into a senior position with solid experience in the next three years? Or, do I want to start this growing/gaining solid experience three years from now, while I stay in HR Manager Position in the current company for the next three years?"
The bottom line is, whatever position you move to next, if you do not have the experience and cannot show the ability to deliver for the next job, you won't get that job. My current job title of HR Manager is not a ticket for my next job title of HR Manager or Sr. HR Manager.
So, if I were you, this is what I would do. I would evaluate myself and see where I am today (from knowledge, exposure, experience point and not strictly from the job title standpoint). I would evaluate my current job and growth prospects (in terms of my growth as a professional, and not necessarily the job title). I would apply the same kind of evaluation to the job offer I have in hand as well. If the job offer I have in hand helps me grow as a professional, I would take it regardless of what the job title says.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
-Som G
Hi Seniors,
Please guide me.....
I'm working in a small org. wherein the hierarchy is very less. And exposure is also very less. But there I'm getting promoted as an HR Manager.
Simultaneously in a big org. wherein the exposure is very good, I'm getting an offer for HR Exec.
What should I opt for??????
From United States, Woodinville
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The responses here are ranging between two opposites. Thought I would throw in my $0.02 as well.
I worked with a Director of a large company who, in his previous job, was a VP of a relatively smaller (but still a big) company. Keep in mind, a Director reports to a VP (not to be confused with the Director in a company's Board of Directors). This guy essentially moved to a lower position in his next job than he was in a previous job.
Here is the reasoning. I agree with the view that your job title does not matter nearly as much as your job responsibilities. The responsibilities of this VP in the "smaller" company were the kind of responsibilities carried out by a group Director in the "larger" company. It was not technically a "demotion" for him but a lateral (and strategic) move with great potential to quickly grow.
From what you mentioned yourself, you are not getting enough exposure in your current job as you would like. Although you would be (technically) going into a lower position in a larger company, you also mentioned it would be an excellent experience for future growth.
If you accept the promotion and stay in your current job, you would soon be tied to your current job with little scope to grow or move out to a different company. If your exposure in your current job as an HR manager is so much as that of an HR Executive in a larger company, the question you must ask yourself is, "Do I want to accept the HR Executive position today, learn more and grow into a senior position with solid experience in the next three years? Or, do I want to start this growing/gaining solid experience three years from now, while I stay in HR Manager Position in the current company for the next three years?"
The bottom line is, whatever position you move to next, if you do not have the experience and cannot show the ability to deliver for the next job, you won't get that job. My current job title of HR Manager is not a ticket for my next job title of HR Manager or Sr. HR Manager.
So, if I were you, this is what I would do. I would evaluate myself and see where I am today (from knowledge, exposure, experience point and not strictly from the job title standpoint). I would evaluate my current job and growth prospects (in terms of my growth as a professional, and not necessarily the job title). I would apply the same kind of evaluation to the job offer I have in hand as well. If the job offer I have in hand helps me grow as a professional, I would take it regardless of what the job title says.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
-Som G
Hi Seniors,
Please guide me.....
I'm working in a small org. wherein the hierarchy is very less. And exposure is also very less. But there I'm getting promoted as an HR Manager.
Simultaneously in a big org. wherein the exposure is very good, I'm getting an offer for HR Exec.
What should I opt for??????
From United States, Woodinville
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Hi Priya,
I believe position doesn't matter in small companies. They may assign you the title of manager, but the salary may not align with a managerial level. Instead, they might offer a salary comparable to an Executive or Senior Executive due to different budget criteria compared to larger companies. On the other hand, in a big company, you might be designated as an Executive, but your pay could be equivalent to that of a Senior Manager in a smaller company.
Moreover, when considering work exposure, you can gain a wide range of experiences in a small company, whereas a big company may limit the scope of your assignments. This is a significant difference to consider.
Overall, what really counts are the compensation and the opportunities for learning. It's essential not to focus solely on the size of the company until a certain point in your career.
Regards,
Hardik Mehta
HR-Reliance
From India, Ballia
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I believe position doesn't matter in small companies. They may assign you the title of manager, but the salary may not align with a managerial level. Instead, they might offer a salary comparable to an Executive or Senior Executive due to different budget criteria compared to larger companies. On the other hand, in a big company, you might be designated as an Executive, but your pay could be equivalent to that of a Senior Manager in a smaller company.
Moreover, when considering work exposure, you can gain a wide range of experiences in a small company, whereas a big company may limit the scope of your assignments. This is a significant difference to consider.
Overall, what really counts are the compensation and the opportunities for learning. It's essential not to focus solely on the size of the company until a certain point in your career.
Regards,
Hardik Mehta
HR-Reliance
From India, Ballia
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