Chapter 8: Managing Human Resources

Complete set of links to companies

The "Management Infotech" themed insert in Chapter 8 (found on page 221 of your text) describes the use of online recruiting techniques at Cisco and the US Army, among other organizations. Visit these two web sites, and then answer the following questions:

1. How do these two organizations use their web sites to attract and recruit human resources?
2. Based on information available at their web sites, what additional data can you gather about each organization’s approach to managing human resources? For example, can you find information about selection, training, appraisal, compensation and benefits, or career planning?

Internet Exercise

The United Auto Workers is one of the oldest, largest, and most powerful labor unions in the United States. For one perspective on the role of organized labor in today’s economy, visit the UAW web site. Especially note their article about the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). Then answer the following questions:

1. What is the UAW’s position on the FMLA? What other issues are important to the UAW?
2. What actions does the UAW take to promote its interests?
3. In your opinion, are there other issues, positions, or actions that the UAW should consider, in order to best serve its membership?

Explore Further

Examine the web sites of corporations that must negotiate contracts with the UAW, such as Ford Motors or General Motors. One useful page is a Ford press release describing the creation of employee learning centers. Another useful page describes improvements in worker safety at GM. Based on what you find at the corporate web sites, what are some likely areas for the union and the firms to have conflicting interests? What are some likely areas of agreement?