Case Study: Keeping Up With I.t.
Main Problem:
Significant changes happened in the past 20 years that Samuel has worked for Andres Enterprises. In the past years, using computers was not much of his concern because these were not used before in any HR applications. However, with the discovery of new ways to cope with the fast-changing of technology, the field of HR decided to apply it to improve the responsiveness of the employees as well as the administrative efficiency of HR. Through these changes, Samuel is having a difficult time learning the new adjustments of technology as well as understanding the system. Likewise, his skills in using computers are far behind from his colleagues and because of this, he is afraid to approach them and ask for help.
SWOT ANALYSIS
a. Samuel’s Strengths
Seniority. He has been working for the company for decades and has seen the enterprise grow from where it is now. He gains access to better promotion opportunities and his responsibility has increased. His experiences and long service in the enterprise enable to contribute to the growth of his career.
b. Samuel’s Weaknesses
Poor computer literacy skills. He is having a hard time coping with the trends and being far behind his colleagues when it comes to using new technology.
Reluctant. He hesitates to ask for help from his colleagues that’s why he is fixated on his situation and not having a chance to learn as well as develop his skills.
Skeptic. He becomes worried about his future in the enterprise as well as starts to feel restless. He doubts himself whether he can adjust to the trends and feels that he is no longer young to learn the technology.
c. Possible Opportunities for Samuel
New skills in technology to improve. Given that the head of HR issued a memo informing that everyone should actively use the Human Resource Information System or HRIS in the different HR functions, Samuel is required to learn and have no choice but to comply with the policy implemented by the organization. He will eventually develop his knowledge and skills in using technology, specifically the software in the computers for the easy management of human resources as well as other data of the organization.
Increase work performance. If Samuel will improve his skills and knowledge in technology specifically software programs like what the company implemented, He will likely get work done in a more organized, efficient, and timely manner given that using technology makes the work easier and contributes to the innovation of many fields of work.
Improves Communication. To meet the expected skills of the organization and for his productivity, Samuel will need to approach and ask his colleagues to teach Him and have the willingness to learn from them. IT will build his relationship with his colleagues and develop his communication skills with them as well for him to not get far behind them.
d. Possible Threats for Samuel
Being left behind. If Samuel will not learn immediately and does not approach his colleagues for help, then it is possible that he will not be able to cope with his colleagues and eventually be completely left behind. It will be more difficult for him because while his colleagues keep improving and learn easily, he is, on the other hand, still stuck with his problem.
Slowing down of promotion. If the manager sees that he can’t cope up well and does not improve then it may affect his possible promotions in the future because he doesn’t have that skills and does not meet the expectations of the organization.
Increased competition. Although he has seniority among his other colleagues, he is far behind if it is about using any technology. He is well aware that this is one of his weaknesses and his colleagues have more advanced experiences and skills in using computers specifically the HRIS.
Here are the following proposed solutions to overcome Samuel’s problem:
Information and Technology Training and Seminar. To create facilities and opportunities for individual or group development as well as to match it with the growth of the organization, a 3-day seminar must be conducted. It will be implemented for the employees for them to know the required basic skills on using technology particularly computers as well the use of Human Resource Information System or HRIS.
Technical assistance. To strengthen and appreciate continuously the knowledge on basic skills learned in the training and seminars, the organization must provide technical assistance for one whole day. Employees who still have a hard time to keep up with the required skills will be the focus and the expert will provide detailed instruction or in-depth procedures as well as to provide clarifications during the learning process.
Practical Assessments. To evaluate the employees, the organization must provide tests to attain an effective utilization of employees' skills which they expected to acquire after the seminars and training that were conducted. Through this, the organization will be able to know if the employees learned something and if they have an improvement. This will also motivate the employees because whoever will get a high score will be given a certificate of recognition to appreciate the effort and time given to experience new skills.
