CIPD discussion document set to shape debate on HRís use of Web 2.0 for strategic business impact

A new CIPD research paper is published today, Web 2.0 and Human Resources: a Discussion Document, to encourage debate among the HR community about the way new web-based technologies are influencing HR and people management.

This initial discussion paper provides an introduction to social networking, a glossary of terms, an illustration of how organisations have been using Web 2.0 for HR and people management and an outline on how to get the most from these technologies. Itís intended to offer HR a new way of making a significant contribution to an organisationís strategic and operational goals.

Importantly, the crux of the initial report is that it encourages open discussion among the HR community by asking questions motivating readers to take part in a debate informing the second stage of the research. This yearís CIPD Recruitment and Retention Survey confirmed that a minority of organisations are using Web 2.0 technologies to attract and recruit employees (from a survey of almost 800 organisations only 20% reported using such technologies, with an even smaller number planning to use it in the next year), so feedback on why this is the case will be essential. Opinions on the broader use of Web 2.0, especially in learning and development, will also be sought and barriers identified.

Martyn Sloman, learning and development adviser at the CIPD says: ìWeb 2.0 has the potential to change the way people interact and work. But, like every new form of technology, there are challenges and degrees of risk. HR must be aware of this in order to advise senior management teams and influence strategy.

ìWe are hoping that the HR community participate fully in our discussion document and post their opinions so that we can not only inform but also seek answers to relevant issues in the second stage of the research.

ìWe believe that HR will find itself under greater pressure to adopt Web 2.0 in learning, recruitment and retention, so the CIPDís call for research is timely. It will hopefully move the debate beyond discussions of the use of popular social networking sites at work.î

The discussion document will be posted on the CIPD website from 18 June to coincide with the Recruitment and Retention Conference at Olympia on 18-19 June.