Numerous commentators emphasise that, to compete successfully in today'sever-changing environment, directors need to become more flexible andinnovative in their careers and in their day-to-day work (Beardwell and Holden,2001, p. 275; Longenecker and Fink, 2001, p

The status of the Personnel function is subject to an ongoing debate in which attention has largely shifted from department to individual practitioner level. There remains, however, significant functional power in organisational structures, particularly in more institutionalised contexts. Aimed...