The ban on working from home makes sense for Yahoo

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Arun Pathak ◽  
Dharma Raju Bathini ◽  
George M Kandathil

Purpose – Discusses the suitability of work-from-home policies, especially in information technology companies. Cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach and states that each company needs to make a decision based on how closely this important human resource (HR) policy aligns with organizational strategy. Design/methodology/approach – Describes how a work-from-home policy, if correctly designed and implemented by HR managers and if aligned to the organizational strategy, can promote innovation and thereby provide a competitive advantage. Gives illustrations from various organizations to explain the concepts. Findings – Argues that working from home is not useful for all organizations and in all contexts. HR managers can play a key role in identifying the suitability of work-from-home in their organization’s context. The HR policy needs to be flexible and to change based on the need for innovation, the nature of projects and the role of each individual in the organization. Practical implications – Advances the view that IT organizations which focus on high-impact radical innovations may benefit from having their employees work in an office. However, each organization, depending on the type of innovation it is aiming for and the nature of projects that it is engaged in, should consider whether work-from-home is a suitable option or not. HR managers should play a larger role in aligning the work-from-home policy to the organizational strategy. They should also be involved more closely in decisions related to the implementation of the policy on the ground. Social implications – Concedes that extra effort will be needed from human resource management (HRM) in customizing work-from-home-related policies to ensure effective alignment with ever-changing organizational strategies. Originality/value – Considers the context of work-from-home. Provides insights into how HR managers can design the policy, align it to overall strategy and implement these HRM practices on the ground.

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Author(s):  
Terence P. Malloy

Purpose This paper aims to review how millennials, since coming into the workforce in 2004, have faired in several countries worldwide. After a synopsis of how the group is characterized in each country surveyed, suggestions are provided to human resource (HR) directors on how to further manage and motivate this employee sector. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for document review of research from past 15 years on this sector of the workforce to contrast and compare how these workers had progressed (or not) depending on the areas of the globe in which they reside. Findings The paper provides practical insights on possible ways and means to create productivity from these employees. It suggests that successful managers may have to be more creative in their ways to attract and appeal to this group but also be more deliberate in creating effective strategies tailored toward the digital native. Research limitations/implications Because the data in this group are still not voluminous and theories and conclusions on the impact they have made continue to vary depending on the circumstance, continued analysis to recognize new trends is suggested. Originality/value This paper suggests updated criteria for HR managers to better evaluate and motivate a growing sector of their workforces.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Biswas ◽  
Brendan Boyle ◽  
Sneh Bhardwaj

PurposeUsing the theoretical lens of the behavioural perspective on HRM, this study examined a mediated model to understand the extent to which organisational factors such as supportive human resource management policies and practices (SHRPP) and organisational climate (OC) can influence the affective attitudes of HR managers towards promoting women into organisational leadership roles. Survey data collected from 182 human resource managers in Bangladesh were analysed using partial least squares–based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and the PROCESS macro to test mediating effects. The results reveal that the adoption of SHRPP is positively associated with OC, which in turn shapes the attitudes of HR managers leading to implementing unbiased promotional practices for organisational leadership roles.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative survey data collected from 182 human resource managers in Bangladesh were analysed using PLS-SEM and PROCESS macro.FindingsThe results reveal that the adoption of SHRPP is positively associated with OC which in turn shapes the attitudes of HR managers leading to implementing unbiased promotional practices for organisational leadership roles.Research limitations/implicationsSelf-report, cross-sectional survey data may contribute to the methodological bias such as common method bias (CMB). Harman's single-factor test revealed that no single component explained a major portion of the total variance. Furthermore, partial correlational analysis using a marker variable coupled with an assessment of social desirability indicates that common method variance is unlikely to have any CMB risks to the validity of the study results.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, the findings of this study suggest that supportive HR practices may create a positive organisational climate that leads to creating a healthy work environment ensuring an equal opportunity for everyone to grow and excel irrespective of their socio-cultural backgrounds and gender identity; thus, facilitating the organisation to take advantage of creativity and innovation offered by their talents, a critical factor for the organisation to survive and flourish in the dynamic market.Social implicationsThe study findings provide insights into why organisations should adopt fair and transparent HR policies to create a congenial work climate impacting on positive social attitudes towards acceptance of a gender-balanced empowered society.Originality/valueTo the best of author's knowledge, this is the first study that examined a mediated model to understand how organisational factors such as SHRPP and OC can impact on the affective attitudes of HR managers towards promoting women in the organisational leadership roles.


2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O’Donnell ◽  
Sue Williamson ◽  
Arosha Adikaram ◽  
Meraiah Foley

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how human resource (HR) managers in garment factories in a Sri Lankan export processing zone (EPZ) navigated the tension between their role as stewards of employee welfare and their role to maximise firm productivity in response to time and production pressures imposed by international buyers. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of HR managers as liaisons between firms and labour. This omission is significant, given the importance of human resource management in the recruitment and retention of labour and the role of HR managers in organisational performance and regulatory compliance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used based on interviews with 18 HR managers, factory managers and other key informants, and 63 factory workers from 12 firms in the Katunayake EPZ. The interviews and focus groups in English were transcribed and coded into themes arising from the literature and further developed from the transcripts. Initial codes were analysed to identify common themes across the data set. Findings HR managers were acutely aware of the competitive pressures facing the EPZ garment factories. While examples of company welfarism were evident, HR practices such as incentive payment systems and the management of employee absences reinforced a workplace environment of long hours, work intensification and occupational injury. Originality/value This paper goes some way towards filling the gap in our understanding of the roles played by HR managers in garment factories in the Global South, raising theoretical debates regarding the potential for HR managers in developing countries to distance themselves from the negative consequences of HR practices such as individual and team reward systems.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliya Podgorodnichenko ◽  
Adeel Akmal ◽  
Fiona Edgar ◽  
Andrè M. Everett

PurposeThe purpose of this empirical study is to develop an understanding of how human resource (HR) managers employed by organizations with an explicit sustainability agenda view employees as stakeholders, and to explore how such views are operationalized in HR policies and practices.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive approach using data from 35 semi-structured interviews was adopted for this study. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the Gioia methodology.FindingsComparison of approaches to sustainable human resource management (HRM) revealed three distinctive conceptualizations of employees with respect to the sustainability agenda – employees as a driving force for sustainability, employees as consumers of HR practices and employees as members of a community. Strong levels of integration between the HRM and sustainability agendas were only evidenced in those organizations where an attempt had been made to address all three roles simultaneously. Findings suggest that engagement with a sustainability agenda widens the remit of the HRM function, underscoring the importance of employees' roles as consumers of HR practices and as members of wider communities.Practical implicationsBy addressing the integration of HRM with a sustainability agenda, this article helps practitioners recognize diversity among employees' roles and the varying associated needs. Examples of policy and practice initiatives that effectively address these needs are provided.Originality/valueHRM has been widely criticized for overemphasizing shareholder value, thereby lacking in attention to the needs of other stakeholders, including employees. Findings from this study suggest the holistic approach advocated by a sustainability agenda can effectively quell these concerns.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karishma Trivedi ◽  
Kailash Bihari Lal Srivastava

Purpose Organizations that resort to knowledge management (KM) for innovation need to align their organizational strategies for KM success. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework depicting the alignment of strategic HR practices with organizational culture and strategy. This alignment posits to leverage KM processes for improving innovation performance in organizations. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from configurational–contingent HR perspective, this paper reviews the literature critically to identify the role and relationship among strategic HR practices, organizational culture and business strategy in contributing to KM process and innovation. Findings Complementarity between strategic HR practices with business strategy and organizational culture can create a synergistic effect on the KM process for improved innovation performance. Research limitations/implications This paper is theoretical. To validate the proposed conceptual framework, it needs empirical verification by future studies. Practical implications Managements should configure their HR practices with strategy and enable a knowledge-oriented culture to develop employee capabilities, creating intellectual assets for bringing more innovativeness in organizations. Originality/value The paper addresses the gap by relating strategic HR practices, strategy and culture in KM context with firm innovation in a comprehensive model. It is among the few studies to critically review strategic human resource practices-KM relationship from contingent–configurational HR perspective, relevant for HR managers in the current knowledge-based organizations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Alok Kumar Goel ◽  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Chitra Krishnan

Subject area Human resource management, Training and development, Competency development and team spirit. Study level/applicability The case is intended for MBA/PGDM level students as part of a human resource management curriculum. The case is more diagnostic in nature and should be discussed in the same spirit. The case is suitable for developing conceptual thinking and community orientation of professionals aspiring or pursuing a career in the area of human resource management. Case overview The case examines the imperatives behind Sterling Tools Limited (STL), a leading fasteners manufacturing Indian company's decision and strategy adopted to inculcate team spirit through outdoor experiential training (OET). The case explores in detail the process undertaken to execute the OET at STL. The case also briefly mentions the tangible benefits of OEL. The case is structured to enable readers to: understand the basic objectives of OET; understand the innovative approach adopted by STL; and understand how an organization responds to changes and challenges in the external environment. Expected learning outcomes This case is structured to enable students to: understand the meaning and significance of outdoor experiential training (OET); analyze the challenges faced by HR managers in modern day organizations; learn the conceptual framework and understand the principles of OET; examine the measures that can be taken by management to ensure a smooth induction and socialization process of employees; and understand the need of inculcating team spirit among employees. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1043-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diep T.N. Nguyen ◽  
Stephen T.T. Teo

Purpose Human resource (HR) philosophy and an organization’s commitment to employees (OCE) are important components of a human resource management (HRM) system, yet the influences of these variables on the effectiveness of HRM implementation has been less evident. Similarly, few studies have examined the effect of intended and implemented HR practices on line managers’ perceptions of HR department effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine how these factors could result in a positive evaluation of HR department effectiveness in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 consisted of 405 line managers and the authors used this sample to test the proposed research model. Study 2, comprising 192 line managers, was used to validate the findings from Study 1. Findings The authors found empirical evidence of how HR managers should leverage their relationships with line managers to enhance HR department effectiveness in a developing economy such as Vietnam. Research limitations/implications As data were from line managers in one point in time, this study could be affected by common method bias. However, the authors conducted three common method variance checks and the analyses showed that this issue was not a major concern. Future studies could extend the sample of respondents by collecting information from CEOs, employees, and HR managers. Originality/value This study contributes to the extant literature empirical evidence of determinants of HR department effectiveness. First, the study shows the simultaneous impacts of HR philosophy and OCE on the actual implementation of HR practices. Second, the authors provide an understanding of line managers’ evaluation of HR department effectiveness through their experience with implemented HR practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 285-290
Author(s):  
Subrata Chakrabarty

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how human resource (HR) managers of incubators can be more effective by applying Relationship focused theory, wherein the HR managers consider the forms of relationships among entrepreneurs. For helping create successful startups, HR managers of incubators can analyze and govern the practice of entrepreneurial action using a relationship-focused (rather than an individual-focused) approach. Design/methodology/approach A fourfold typology of relationships is used to explain the utility of relationships for practicing entrepreneurial work in an incubator. HR managers of incubators should consider the forms of relationships among the entrepreneurs that they oversee within incubators. Findings Social and task antecedents determine the ideal relationship between budding entrepreneurs, and incubator climate restrains the link between relationships and entrepreneurial outcomes. Originality/value Relationship-focused theory is used to explain the manner in which entrepreneurial action can be organized among budding entrepreneurs within incubators. The focus stays on the ‘relationship’ between budding entrepreneurs housed within incubators.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1213-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshni Das ◽  
Amitabh Deo Kodwani

Purpose By undertaking a detailed review of the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) discourse, the purpose of this paper is to uncover and explicate the power differentials embedded in the social structure of organizations and suggests ways to reconcile them. Design/methodology/approach Methods used are thematic review, content analysis, and inductive theorizing, with Foucault’s archaeological and genealogical analysis style as the overarching framework. Findings At the methodological level, the authors demonstrate the application of Foucault’s twin methods: archaeological and genealogical analysis. At the substantive level, the authors have two contributions. First, the authors critique and analyze the various themes of power that emerge from the SHRM discourse as well as the hybridized overlaps of SHRM with other organization studies topics of interest such as organizational learning, network studies, control and postmodernism. Second, the authors propose a “Power” theory based nomothetic, typological synthesis for crafting the business-facing human resource (HR) function. The power lens manifests as the meta-theory to guide a much required streamlining of constructs and “value laden” synthesis of the literature. Research limitations/implications The potential of critical theory in crafting situated and context-sensitive research propositions is demonstrated. Practical implications Organizational strategists and HR managers can utilize the proposed typology to better understand their current ideological positions and decide future aspired images. Originality/value This is a conversation between two paradigms, SHRM and power theory, that are epistemologically at two opposite poles.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasshrie Pillai ◽  
Brijesh Sivathanu

PurposeTo understand human resource (HR) practices outcomes on HR decision making, strategic human resource management (HRM) and organizational performance by exploring the HR data quality along with descriptive and predictive financial and non-financial metrics.Design/methodology/approachThis work utilizes the grounded theory method. After the literature was reviewed, 113 HR managers of multinational and national companies in India were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected interview data was analyzed with NVivo 8.0 software.FindingsIt is interesting to uncover the descriptive and predictive non-financial and financial metrics of HR practices and their influence on organizational performance. It was found that HR data quality moderates the relationship between the HR practices outcome and HR metrics. This study found that HR metrics help in HR decision-making for strategic HRM and subsequently affect organizational performance.Originality/valueThis study has uniquely provided the descriptive and predictive non-financial and financial metrics of HR practices and their impact on HR decision making, strategic HRM and organizational performance. This study highlights the importance of data quality. This research offers insights to the HR managers, HR analysts, chief HR officers and HR practitioners to achieve organizational performance considering the various metrics of HRM. It provides key insights to the top management to understand the HR metrics' effect on strategic HRM and organizational performance.


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