Human Resource Management Issues

The Changing Role of Human Resources Management According to Hollenbeck, Gerhart, and Wright, human resources management are “the policies, practices, and systems that influence employees’ behavior, attitudes, and performance” (2007, p. 2). The role of human resources management within businesses has been evolving since the 1950s. These changes have brought about a significant increase in competition along with the awareness that human resource management must play a larger part of the strategic role within every company (Tyson and Fell, 1995).The following paragraphs will discuss the changes that have taken place in human resources management due to transformations and trends in globalization technology, diversity, e-business and ethics.

Affects of Globalization, Technology, and E-Business Businesses around the world have not been able to escape the process of globalization and technology. This process has forced many businesses to turn to international markets to remain competitive. This means many new objectives for the human resources department. For example, the outsourcing of labor, training new employees globally, the possibility of new positions, and the creation of new global policies.

However, along with these new objectives comes new challenges, such as trying to create a consistent corporate culture, creating a multicultural human resources team, and the “potentially complicated responsibilities of multiple-currency payroll, multi-country dispersion, diverse jurisdictional tax legislation, and health care benefits and coverage” (Bryant, 1997). Fortunately, these additional complications bring new technologies.

New self service and online employee tools, more efficient recruiting options via the Internet, and more secure containment of personnel records are only a few of the new technologies.

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Globalization and technology has also produced e-learning and e-negotiations for offices overseas. Nowadays, a business meeting can be held between two different international companies with the use of videoconferencing; no travel is required.Important personnel documents and reports can be shared by the click of a mouse via e-mail. New technology has also created many more job opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities allowing them to become a part of the workforce. Changes in Diversity Globalization and international business creates a larger pool of diversity within companies.

More communication and interaction is taking place between people of different cultures, who speak different languages, communicate differently, and have different beliefs.Diversity can bring more creativity and ideas to a business and its departments, improved marketing opportunities, and better recruitment opportunities. Human resources management will also be faced with diversity challenges. “Radical changes in workforce demographics mean that organizations need to develop knowledge and understanding of how to manage a diverse workforce that includes large percentages of blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and women” (Schuler and Walker, 1990). This means managers may be confronted with discrimination and prejudice complaints which in return can lead to more turnovers.

There is also a potential for more hiring discriminations among management.

Learning how to create a neutral corporate culture, implementing ongoing awareness trainings, and working to create a thriving diverse workplace are all key issues human resource managers should focus on. Ethics The topics of globalization, technology, and diversity discussed above all have affects on ethics.Human resources management are confronted with many more cases of right versus wrong. These cases can involve globalization and technology where employees have more confidential personnel information at their fingertips or access to bank accounts and transfers. Increases in diversity allows more issues to arise where a manager favors Caucasians over Hispanics because of personal prejudices. Sexual harassment doesn’t take place in only verbal form these days.

Harassment can occur through email and text messages.The ever changing human resource function is now filled with more complex and intricate issues revolving around ethics which management must deal with on a daily basis.

Conclusion While globalization, technology, e-business, and diversity bring more positive opportunities to any size business, but human resources management must have a more complete and well rounded strategic plan to deal with each facet successfully. “To be successful, organizations will be required to make considerable investments in their HR capabilities” (Oss, 2004). This does not only mean money, but also time and commitment. Embracing change and being more receptive to employees and their needs are also important issues for human resources. Happy employees bring more potential and growth to every company.