In addition, Williams and union director Bill Jaeger say human resources has become more inefficient under decentralization, and that individual human resources units duplicate each other's work.
Patrick defends decentralization. She says the only duplications that occur are in the field of conflict resolution, which every office needs to be actively involved in.
And different schools have different human resources needs. The School of Public Health, for example, subsidizes staff who participate in athletics or work out at health clubs. Such a program is not necessary at the Business School, which has a sparkling gymnasium called Shad Hall.
"It's a mistake to say we're completely decentralized," says Patrick. "Yes, that means some policies are developed here that are not in place there. That doesn't mean that they are wrong."
Despite all the complaints, workers and the union retain some optimism about human resources. Many officials in the office, especially Patrick, are seen as well-intentioned, and human resources offices all over the University have tremendous potential.
But a cease fire in the war of the words probably won't come anytime soon. Workers and unions want to see less decentralization, more emphasis on helping employees pursue their complaints, and, above all, a coherent vision for Harvard as a workplace.
All that may not happen. "You're going to see a lot more decentralization, not less of it," says Vice President Robert Scott.
But even the most bitter enemies of human resources hold out some hope for improvement. Harry Hirtle, the worker in the Office of the University Publisher, doesn't like human resources, but he's had some good experiences working with one employee there, Associate Director of Human Resources Donna McGee, and he thinks things can change.
Says Hirtle, "The initiative needs to come from Harvard to smooth over relations."
Stephen E. Frank contributed to the reporting of this story.
The Office of Human Resources has consumed six directors in the last six years. An energetic new director has a bold strategy for revitalizing the department, but both workers and experts from other universities say the strategy, decentralization, is fatally flawed.
Patrick acknowledges that her office remains largely distrusted by workers around the University who have long been promised change in the department, and have yet to see it.