หน้า 15
Human Resource Management in the Electronic Age
Through the years, as social and market dynamics changed, dramatic changes un technology also affected how we manage human resources. Some of these changes were related to the technologies available for measurement, although new technologies such as television, videotaping, and facsimile machines also important for the development of the human resource management function. In recent years, however, the popularity of the Internet has had a profound impact on the human resource management function, and that impact is still developing and growing.
The widespread use of electronic technology and the Internet has not drastically affected the basic approach to how we manage human resources, but it has certainly had a major effect on how many human resource management systems are delivered. For example, in Chapter 5 we discuss methods for conducting job analysis, but we also note that the new O'NET system may allow many organizations to obtain the job analysis information they need online from a database, Chapter 6 discusses issues of recruiting, but one of the more popular ways for job seekers to search for jobs is by accessing one of the many websites for job searches. As result, most organizations have come to realize that they must post job openings online with these services, in addition to using more traditional methods. Our discussion of selection techniques in Chapter 7 also includes discussion of online resting and other ways in which the Internet has changed the way organizations select employees. Training programs can now be purchased from vendors and provided to employees online, allowing them to take classes and training programs on their own schedule. Information systems, including information on benefits, make it easier for employees to check their benefit coverage and change it if desired.
Have these new applications technology made human resource management easier? Clearly, it is easier now for management to deliver information and communicate with employees. But the openness of communications also means that employees can communicate with management, and this presents new challenges to managers. Electronic systems for communication and monitoring also bring up new challenges for the legal system(discussed in Chapter 3), and have led to new discussions about ethics and privacy. Thus, the new technology have made human resource management easier in some ways but more complicated in others. Have these new applications of technology made the management of human resources more effective? This question is important, but there is little data addressing it. Nonetheless, we will discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by new technology and the Internet throughout the book
One other way in which technology has affected the human resource management function needs to be discussed. As organizations introduced new technologies for manufacturing, communication, and human resource management, the also increased their need for more specialized employees. Knowledge workers include any employees whose jobs are to acquire and apply knowledge, and they contribute to the organization by the nature of what they know and how well they can apply what they know. Although knowledge workers include more than workers who deal with computer technology(scientists and lawyers, for example, are usually considered knowledge workers), the explosion of technology at work has led to a huge increase in the need for workers who can learn and apply the management of this technology, These employees present special problems for recruitment, retention, and compensation, as well as for motivation; we will discuss these challenges throughout the book, but provide detailed coverage in Chapter 17