Mohammed is the HR Manager of a large construction firm. He has been involved in similar roles in numerous organisations over a 20-year career. However, in his position he is not a member of the Senior Management Team, as the HR Manager reports to the Chief Operating Officer, who is a member of that group.

Mohammed however believes that his position is of vital importance to the organisation and accordingly he is constantly seeking ways to influence the decisions of that Group with regards HR related outcomes. One of the ways he does this is by providing detailed written reports to the Chief Operating Office with include detailed outcomes and reasons as to why these are important.

Questions:

1. What is the power that he is exerting and how?

2. What are the challenges that he is facing within this organisation with regards the execution of this power?

3. If Mohammeds aim is to ensure that HR has an important seat at the table with regards decision making, what else could he do, considering the management/leadership distinction?