HR Q&A

I am performing a large local HR role in Singapore for a multinational. I'm being pressured by my HR friends to gain more regional experience otherwise they say it will harm my HR career. What's the truth in this?
Answer:: In somewhere like Singapore, multinationals often struggle to get talented HR practitioners who want to perform a local role, since the vast majority gravitate towards regional roles. If you have previous regional experience, but are now performing a local role, this has actually probably enhanced your marketability, since it demonstrates your flexibility. One criticism often labelled at HR practitioners holding regional remits is that they largely ‘skim across the surface' of HR issues, and play a largely coordinating role rather than get their hands dirty. Of course there are plenty of exceptions to this. The answer to the question is that if you ideally want to move into (or move back to) a regional role, you probably don't want to spend too many years in a local role. However, if you are comfortable with a local role, we say stick with it.
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Senior VP of HR, China (844/TCCG), Fast Moving Consumer Goods: China, Permanent | 03.02.2012
Singapore HR Lead (1329/TCCG), Banking & Financial Services: Singapore, Permanent | 03.02.2012
Regional Head of Shared Services, APAC (938/TCCG), Banking & Financial Services: Singapore, Permanent | 02.02.2012

: 01.02.12; When should I hand over my HR salary information in contemplating a career move?