Technology and The New Challenges of Management
The advancement in technology has had a huge impact on the world today by revolutionizing the way things are done in almost all aspects of human society. One of the areas that have seen a significant influence if the advancement of technology is in management. Though many benefits such as improved communication, improvement in the quality of work, saving of time among other benefits are accrued in the application of technology in management. Dr. Albert Erisman is one of the renowned technology expert as well as in management, having had a 30year career in managing a big research and technology company for Boeing. This paper draws the vast experience of Dr. Albert Erisman to examine the role of technology and emerging challenges facing management.
Technology has had a huge impact on the way human resource management communicates with employees, stores employees’ data and even in employee performance assessments conducted. According to Erismans performance model, using technology to solve problems is the most exciting thing he has ever experienced. From his interview, he views technology as a tool for continuous of the creation processes narrated in the bible (Mocler 2015). Ehrisman view on the role technology is supported in many ways. While technology is beneficial to management when used correctly, it may also prove to be very problematic if misused. Technology has revolutionized the hiring process for new workers. Employers are able to post job openings online, and on the other hand, job seekers are also able to apply online and track their application through online tracking systems. This saves a lot of time that could otherwise be used in physical contact (Sherman, 2019). However, this may present some challenges as employers may not consider whether the online systems work well for job seekers or not. The standardized format may also not be able to differentiate the quality of job seekers.
Technology has also eased the process of communication between management and other employees. Though technology enables faster communication, it may also hinder the clarification of important issues. For example, there are incidences where people have lost job opportunities due to their remarks on social media. James Gunn, a director at Guardians of the Galaxy got fired after remarks he made on Twitter some years ago regarding pedophilia and rape. Despite Gunn regretting his words, this was not enough to secure his job. Another usage of technology by data analysis may be used to measure employee performances. This is due to the fact that through technology one is able to gather and categorize information about employees and make faster conclusive insights about an employee’s performance (Sherman, 2019). Despite this, proper usage of technology can lead to better communication in an organization.
Measuring and controlling behavior is one of the functions of management. I do this, the management should ensure that they have an excellent working relationship with their employment as well as ensure they act in good faith. According to Erismans performance model, the quality of the relationship between management and employees is very important. It is the view of Erisman in his performance model that employers should not exploit their employees; however, they should help them grow (Mocler 2014). In controlling behavior, it is the view of Erisman that people should uphold professionalism and high ethical and moral standards (Erisman 2015). It is, therefore, important that employers adopt policies that are non-discriminatory in nature when it comes to preferential treatment of their employees. Policies that encourage diversity and inclusion are vital in ensuring fairness and justice, thus, building good working relationships between people (Sharma & Nasir). Other stakeholders such as government agents and civil right groups should ensure that they adequately monitor policies adopted by organizations in dealing with their employees and other people they interact with. For instance, a Muslim woman had her job interview cut short upon realizing that she would not be able to shake hands with her male coworkers for religious causes, however, the Swedish Labour Court ruled that she was indirectly victimized.
Software programs can also be used to monitor employees’ quality of work and overall performance which also saves time. Use of technology gives useful insights on how best to use to apply the insights to improve performance. According to Erisman performance model, ethical practices are key in the management of an organization (Mocler 2015). Technology enables employers to have too much data that may lead to data breaches and loss of privacy if not well handled. Use of security cameras may also present an opportunity for unethical behaviors such as spying and other privacy-related concerns. Too much data as a result of using technology can be expensive and may also lead to a misreading of data affecting decision making. Data security is also very expensive due to numerous threats of hacking and loss of personal data that can lead to lawsuits. Other issues with regard to technology use include legal issues when using patent-protected software in the organization and likelihood of misuse of technology by staff for malicious intentions or personal gains (Sherman, 2019). Ethical practices as advocated by Erisman could go a long way in mitigating such challenges.
There is, therefore, the need to ensure that the management in any organization adopts policies and guidelines that ensure the best use of technology to avoid the risks that come along with the usage of technology in human resource management. In the case of Erismans performance model, successful management of new technology natives should be done by respecting other people and holds that other people were made in the image of God (Mocler 2015). He gives an example where he helped his employees facing layoffs get alternative jobs through is leadership. The use of technology is also subject to government policies and laws such regulations on data protection, therefore, the need to align the organization’s policies with the laws of the land to minimize conflict.
Conclusion
The advancement in technology has had a huge impact on the world today by revolutionizing the way things are done in almost all aspects of human society. Dr. Albert Erisman is one of the renowned technology expert as well as in management, having had a 30year career in managing a big research and technology company for Boeing. According to Erisman, using technology to solve problems is the most exciting thing he has ever experienced. From his interview, he views technology as a tool for continuous of the creation processes narrated in the bible. In dealing with employees, Erisman believes in fairness and professionalism as well as upholding proper ethics.
References
Erisman, A., (2015). The accidental executive. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=7MgDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT2&lpg=PT2&dq=Dr.+Albert+Erisman+career+at+boeing&source=bl&ots=cX6EqFqi12&sig=ACfU3U2ThVIf22DZIbngw-Y7hFpBhgZhhw&hl=sw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiDnNKtutDhAhVBzRoKHVFSDHYQ6AEwB3oECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=Dr.%20Albert%20Erisman%20career%20at%20boeing&f=true
Moncler, (2015). Interview: Albert M. Erisman. Retrieved from http://www.gordonconwell.edu/ockenga/faithwork/documents/MM14.01AlErismanInterview_3.pdf
Sharma, A., and Nisar, T., (2016). Managing diversity and equality in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311975.2016.1212682
Sherman, F., (2019). How Do Technology Impact HR Practices? Retrieved from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/technology-impact-hr-practices-37912.html