PIHRA Scope - Summer 2008 - (Page 11)

Bridging the Gap When ‘IT’ is from Mars and ‘HR’ is from Venus By Shafiq Lokhandwala NuView Systems, Inc. © frenta: Image from BigStockPhoto.com all heard the saying “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus,” but when it comes to standardizing on a global human resource management system (HRMS), the same could be said for an organization’s information technology (IT) and human resource (HR) departments. In order to close the gap between these two departments and create a happier co-existence, IT and HR departments should heed the advice of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus author John Gary, and learn how to communicate more effectively to ensure the needs of each are taken into consideration and that an emphasis is placed on creating a peaceful union of organizational equals. For instance, in this HRMS ‘marriage’ it is assumed that HR is better able to understand what type of communication is necessary and the best manner and timing with which it must be presented in order to achieve strategic outcomes, while IT is better able to handle the security imperatives and We’ve the underlying capabilities and tools needed to achieve these outcomes. However, without taking the time to truly identify each other’s role and more importantly understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, this marriage may be heading for an irrevocable and highly bitter divorce. THE HR MANDATE As organizations strive to build and sustain a high-performing, satisﬁed workforce, they place an even greater emphasis on the effectiveness of the HR department. Today, the HR department is viewed as a critical contributor to an organization’s bottom line, facilitating the organization’s ability to attract top-talent, reduce turnover and control the high cost of beneﬁt enrollment and utilization. However, to be truly effective, HR needs to have the right combination FEATURE BRIDGING THE GAP continued on page 12 Summer 2008 PIHRAScope 11 http://www.BigStockPhoto.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PIHRA Scope - Summer 2008

PIHRA Scope - Summer 2008 Contents Message from the President HR Technology to the Rescue: What to Do in the Aftermath of the H-1B Visa Cap Bridging the Gap: When ‘IT’ is from Mars and ‘HR’ is from Venus HR Concepts Maximizing Returns from Benefi t Investments with Better Communications Strategic Marketing Alliance: Develop Yours as Easy as ABC… PIHRA Calendar Scope on the Districts PIHRA’s New Members Index to Advertisers

PIHRA Scope - Summer 2008

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