In the former Soviet Union, the Political Officer is an officer attached to a unit, usually outside the regular chain of command, who ensures that the regular soldiers and officers obey orders and conform to the government's ideology.
In day-to-day affairs the Political Officer roots out dissenters and has them re-educated or executed, perhaps doubling as a member of the Secret Police or Culture Police.
Contrast this to the HR Department, which is outside the profit center of the company, that ensures that the regular employees and officers of the company obey HR directives and conform to the company's ideology.
In day-to-day affairs, HR roots out dissenters and has them re-educated or terminated, doubling as the "secret police" or "culture police."
It was called the ‘zampolitik’. HR departments also house the infamous Office of Compliance which ensures that all departments and personnel follow all company as well as federal, state, and local regulations to keep the company up-to-date with the ever changing regulatory environment.