Human Resources Roles and Responsibilities

University of PhoenixHuman Resource ManagementMGT 431October 08, 2008In today's business world human resource managers (HRM) are faced with greater challenges than compensation and benefits. They are facing constant innovation in computer and information technology and a chaotic world of changing markets and consumer life styles. This paper will describe human resource (HR) roles and responsibilities in response to trends in globalization, technology, diversity, e-business, and ethics.

GlobalizationIn today's business world more companies are operating across geographic boundaries. The human resource department faces challenges when organizations branch into international territories such as creating common practices that will be applied in international and domestic offices coupled with upholding local cultural and business practices. The organizations' goals must be clearly defined and practiced across the entire organization internationally and domestically (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 2004).

TechnologyThe development of technology in today's business world must be utilized in order for organizations to succeed.

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According to Voigt (2008), within the past three years the top three technological advancements organizations integrated into the HR departments were increased use of intranets, deployment of employee self-service, and coverage/functionality enhancements to their HR systems. The use of an organizations intranet allows the HR department to provide updated HR information better and is more accessible to managers and employees.

DiversityIn today's labor force racial, religious, and ethnic diversity is increasing (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 2004). Many organizations are aware they will have to be more accommodating of these differences. Organizations are beginning to find their customers are also becoming increasingly diverse, so that having a diversified workforce can be a competitive advantage in today's marketplace. Managing diversity involves being aware of characteristics common to different groups of employees, while also managing these employees as individuals. Managing diversity means not just tolerating differences but also supporting and using these...