Organizational Technologies and Human Resource Management

In: Human relations: towards the integration of the social sciences, Band 54, Heft 2, S. 193-213

Abstract

This article develops a model that integrates organizational level technology research with human resource management strategies. The model relates dimensions of technical processes to human resource practices, focusing on practices used to develop employees. These relationships are mediated by the type of skills employees use. An empirical study of 139 employees found support for two hypotheses developed from the model. Results suggested that technology and HRM activities are connected through the level of cognitive skill complexity and the amount of support employees receive in developing new skills. Due to changes in the way decisions are made in organizations today (for example, making more decisions at lower levels) the connection between the work process, the skills employees need, and the emphasis on developing employees will become increasingly important.