How Technology is Changing Human Resources Management - Assignment Example

Discussion Questions Based on my previous work experiences as a human resource manager, I have noticed that individuals who belong to the baby boomers, the generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ have a different way of perceiving the value of their profession. The generation gap among the workers who belong to the baby boomers, generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ is very much evident not only on how they perceive things around them but also their attitudes and behavior when it comes to the workplace. The baby boomers, generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are individuals who were born between the years 1946 to 1962; 1963 to 1981; and 1982 up to the present respectively. (Bardwell, 2007) It is possible that the differences in the educational teachings each of these generations have received from school due to the rapid changes in the information technology affects the differences in their professional satisfaction, motivation, leadership issues and styles, as well as the different strategy when it comes to increasing the employee’s morale among others. As a human resource manager, the art of being able to motivate and increase the morale of each worker despite the differences in their work expectations and satisfaction remains a challenge. What is the best way to resolve the conflicting issues among the baby boomers, the generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ workers? Is the motivational strategy applicable to baby boomer workers equally effective in terms of motivating the generation ‘Y’ workers? What are the factors that the human resource manager should consider when it comes to dealing with each type of worker? Is pay-for-performance the best way to increase the workers’ productivity and motivation? Approaches Used when Analyzing Literature Di Gregorio (2000) stated that despite all the available qualitative software packages used in analyzing literature, the best method is the use of NVivo. Launched back in May 1999, the NVivo version 1.2 software is considered as the updated and improved version of NUD*IST. NVivo’s newer version is 2.0. These softwares are downloadable from the website http://www.qsr.com.au, NVivo software is easy to use. The researcher could easily import necessary documents from the microsoft word processing package and eventually use coding strips to code these documents on screen. According to Lyn Richards (1999), NVivo software is designed exclusively for “researchers who desire to display as well as develop a rich data in dynamic documents.” The capability of this software to assist the researchers when going through a long process of qualtitative data analysis makes NVivo one of the best tools when it comes to analyzing a qualitative literature. (Welsch, 2002) It also enables the researcher to explore the gathered data using a different level of literature analyzation because it increases the researchers’ speed and flexibility when it comes to proper coding, linking as well as retrieving of data. (Asensio, 2000) Asensio (2000) stated that among the three well-known software packages used in analyzing literatures include: Atlas/ti, QSR NUD*IST, and QSR NUD*IST Vivo (NVivo). Other programs used for the same purpose are the Ethnograp v5 and MaxQDA. Using Secondary Sources in Clarifying the Comparison between Two or More Literary Works Secondary sources from book chapters and other related journal articles are easily found in school libraries online databases which includes: the MLA International Bibliography (MLA) 1921; Literature Online (LION); Periodicals Index Online; and Anthropological Literature among others. (Harvard College Library, 2007) These secondary sources can be used to back up, support or to examine the analysis or interpretation of other researchers with regards to the statement being presented in the primary text materials – usually based on direct observation or personal experiences used in writing a literature-based research study. (Vaver, 2007) By going through the works and the personal opinion of other researchers, it would be easier for the researcher to develop a new idea and apply the new concept that has been derived from the secondary input into the main argument or discussion of the literature research study. In order to successfully use the secondary sources in clarifying the comparison between two or more literary works, the researcher has to perform a critical thinking when analyzing the whole concept of the gathered information. In the process, the researcher has to be aware of the authors’ qualification or credentials in writing the subject; the accuracy of factual information provided in the study; the most current publication date available; as well as the breadth and depth of the subject matter. (Murphy Library Resource Center, 2007) Connection between the Literature and the Society Basically, literature-based research studies are derived based on the personal experiences and compilation of other researchers’ opinion on a chosen topic. For this reason, a literature-based research study serves as a valid information or data which could enhance the society’s perception on a specific subject matter. For example, it is a common knowledge for the human resource managers that some of their used-to-be important working approaches in the olden days are no longer applicable in today’s competitive business world. (DuMonde Solutions, 2001) In line with globalization and the intensive use of high-technology, the human resource managers should also be able to effectively adopt with the constantly changing external environments. Considering that literature reviews continuously look for new solutions to a critical subject matter such as the generation gap among the workforce who belongs to baby boomers, generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’, it is highly recommended that the human resources exert extra effort in going through similar peer-reviewed literature reviews. Impact of Literature in My Critical Thinking Regarding Life and People Developing a literature review will create a great impact in my personal mental development process due to the fact that it will allow me to go through critical thinking. Going through the process of critical thinking will enable me to analyze the point-of-view of other researchers better. In line with developing my critical thinking ability, it would also enable me to easily relate my life with the life of other people in general including their individual perception which could trigger their own attitudes and behavior towards something. Since a literature review considers not only the researcher’s personal opinion but also the opinion of other people, the researcher has to think deeply when analyzing the logic behind each author’s opinion on a specific topic. In the process, the researcher has to develop his/her own conclusion based on his/her own personal judgment on the research topic. My Favorite Example of How Literature Reflects Society When it comes to literature that reflects the society, I find it more appealing to read journals that uses a “reader-response” (Stifler, 1999) or simply the gathering of personal experience and knowledge of a qualified individual in a specific field such as human resources, a successful marketer speaking up on issues related to marketing, etc. Given that I also have some basic knowledge in the fields of marketing and human resources, I find it easier to relate my own personal experiences with the factors that contribute to the success or failure of each highly competitive individual. In the process, I get to easily learn new strategy or tactics from these professionals. Conclusion With a good literature review gathered based on the personal experience and other related secondary sources by of each the qualified author, it is possible for the researcher to determine the best way to resolve the conflicting issues related to baby boomers, the generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ workers including the factors that human resource manager should consider when dealing with each type of worker. It is also possible to know whether or not the motivational strategy applicable to baby boomer workers equally effective in terms of motivating the generation ‘Y’ workers or whether the pay-for-performance is the best way to increase the workers’ productivity and motivation. *** End *** References: Asenso, M. (2000). Choosing NVivo to Support Phenomenographic Research in Networked Learning. In Ozkan B.C. (Eds) Using NVivo to Analyze Qualitative Classroom Data on Constructivist Learning Environments. Proceedings of a Symposium Conducted at the Meeting of the Second International on Networked Learning. England: Lancester. Bardwell, C. (2007). Transitioning from College to the Work World: What Your Professors Didn't Tell You! Retrieved October 17, 2007, from IMDiversity: http://www.imdiversity.com/Villages/Careers/entry_level/bco_college_to_work_0407.asp Di Gregorio, S. (2000). Using NVivo for your Literature Review. Paper Presented at the Conference of the Strategies in Qualitative Research: Issues and Results from Analysis Using NVivo and NUD*IST at the Institute of Education. London. DuMonde Solutions. (2001, November 15). Retrieved October 17, 2007, from H.R. Information Services, PeopleSoft and All That... "How Technology is Changing Human Resources Management": http://www.bizforum.org/DuMonde-11-15-2001.htm Harvard College Library. (2007, August 7). Retrieved October 16, 2007, from Literature: Library and Internet Research Guide: http://hcl.harvard.edu/research/guides/literature/journals.html Murphy Library Resource Center. (2007, June). Retrieved October 17, 2007, from Critical Thinking about Information Sources: http://perth.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/guides/453%20evaluation%20of%20sources.pdf Richards, L. (1999). Data Alive!: The Thinking Behinds NVivo. Qualitative Health Research , 9(3): 412 - 428. Stifler, B. (1999). Literature Theories. Retrieved October 17, 2007, from http://users.cdc.net/~stifler/en111/litcrit.pdf Vaver, A. (2007, March 30). Primary Text Research in the Humanities. Retrieved October 16, 2007, from Brandeis University: http://lts.brandeis.edu/research/help/primary-text/starting.html Welsch, E. (2002). Dealing with Data: Using NVivo in the Qualitative Data Analysis Process. Retrieved October 17, 2007, from Forum: Qualitative Social Research: http://www.qualitative-research.net/fqs-texte/2-02/2-02welsh-e.htm Read More