The impact of computerization on the human resource case study of Unilever Tea Kenya Ltd, Kericho, Kenya
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Date
2011-11-24
Authors
Wilunda, Stanley Murangale
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Abstract
Computerization of work processes has been regarded as one of the methods of improving performance in organizations. Despite the role it plays in improving performance, computerization has the potential to affect the human resource both positively and negatively depending on factors that dictate how the business process is managed (Kraut, Dumais, & Koch, 1989). Since every business process is made unique by the factors that dictate how it runs, it is necessary to study specific work processes when trying to accurately predict the impact of computerization on the human resource. The study therefore researched on `The Impact Of Computerization On The Human Resource - Case Study Of Unilever Tea Kenya Ltd, Kericho, Kenya'. If mitigating measures are not taken to address negative effects, employees can persistently resist the change, customers get affected by the impact of upset employees and valued staff may leave the business (Susanto, 2003). The main objective of the study was therefore to establish the impact of computerization on the human resource of the organization. The study sought to answer questions on how computerization has affected skill requirements, the organization structure, job performance and if the organization has programmes that mitigate on the negative effects on employees. The study found out that computerization affected employee skills depending on ones job and skills, facilitated the creation of a flatter organization structure and helped to improve employee performance. The organization has training interventions that help employees to cope with the demands of computerization though they have not met the needs of all employees. The study will help the organization while formulating policies in human resource management, provide knowledge to similar industries on how to deal with computerization without adverse effects on the human resource and bring new insights to the body of knowledge. The study was conducted in Kericho district and covered the regional office and all the operations of Unilever Tea Kenya Limited within the district. The research was conducted under a descriptive study design and used stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to select respondents. The sample size was 100 respondents from a total population of 173 employees. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using graphs. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as an aid to analyze data.
Description
Department of Business Administration, 94p. The HF 4447.5 .C6M8 2007
Keywords
Personnel management--Computer assisted instruction, Information storage and retriaval systems--personnel management--Kenya--Kericho