CEO to HR: "You are simply only here to advise me..."

Some very interesting responses here - thanks all for your input.

My initial thoughts were a mix of both - ultimately he is the CEO and he has the final say, but why employ HR experts to manage the HR functionality of the business if you aren't going to take their advice on HR matters into consideration?

The issue was (being vague here as not to share internal information readily on the internet for all to see) an issue arose which HR strongly insisted the company could not continue on the current plan of action as was a blatant breach of direct discrimination legislation and were opening ourselves right up for a tribunal claim.

I will admit that on this occasion HR were being stubborn on this (as opposed to usually, trying to influence, persuade and negotiate and then accepting if a different course of action was taken) which did increase frustration from the CEO, but this isn't typical in day to day.

Here is an example of what can go badly wrong for a HR person when senior mamnagement are hell bent on breaking the law, in this case it was pensions: www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/.../derby-company-cheat-workers-major-2150911

Exactly Paul.

...And the fines etc. are only the beginning:

Job..... Gone

Career in HR...… Gone

CIPD Registration...… Gone

Personal credibility...… Gone

Future in (reputable) Business management..... Gone

Earning potential..... Gone

Aspirations.... Gone

"You're only here to advise me...."

…...The hell I am!

Exactly Paul.

...And the fines etc. are only the beginning:

Job..... Gone

Career in HR...… Gone

CIPD Registration...… Gone

Personal credibility...… Gone

Future in (reputable) Business management..... Gone

Earning potential..... Gone

Aspirations.... Gone

"You're only here to advise me...."

…...The hell I am!