This book of edited essays addresses the application of technology to the full cycle of HR activities
People Management, 10 Aug 2006
Title: The Brave New World of eHR
Editors: Hal G Gueutal and Dianna L Stone
Publisher: Jossey Bass (01243 843294)
Price: £36.99
ISBN: 07879 7338 6
In an age of netcentricity, where technology plays an important role in strategic capability and sustaining competitive advantage, this is a welcome book that looks at how the use of technology can optimise the management of people. The resounding message of the book is that the promise and potential of technology can be delivered in equally enabling and transformational ways for HR too, on its path towards true strategic business partnership.
Representing a unique combination of opinions from academics, practitioners, subject matter experts and product leaders, this book of edited essays addresses the application of technology to the full cycle of HR activities.
First, Patricia Fletcher of SAP traces the parallel evolution of HR and technology, on the journey from personnel to human resources to business-driven human capital management. Further essays evaluate the uses of electronic human resources (eHR) and e-enabled systems in the resourcing and retention of talent.
Recognising the growing and ubiquitous power of the web, the book offers guidelines on the design and delivery of distance learning programmes. Contributors also explore e-compensation tools and their ability to transform practice. In a chapter exploring the radically changed field of HR services delivery and execution, the author presents a best practice design and implementation guide, including such key issues as HR portals and the self-service menu.
Row Henson of PeopleSoft conducts an environmental analysis as a basis for identifying future trends and technologies over the next decade in the final essay. She sees knowledge and the ability to learn and change as the most strategic weapons if companies are to avoid "digital Darwinism". She concludes that HR is critically positioned to seize a leadership role in "leveraging" the human capital and culture of the organisation in the new digital enterprise.
The nine essays flow together naturally – but there is room for an integrative chapter on strategic HR and business policy. However, written with a strong practitioner focus, this book will serve as an important resource guide in this dynamic field.
Pauric O'Rourke
Consultant and lecturer, Breffney Coaching and Consulting
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