Human Systems Management - Volume 31, issue 3-4

Authors: Eom, Sean | Ashill, Nicholas J. | Arbaugh, J.B. | Stapleton, James L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study empirically tested the DeLone and McLean model of information systems success model (the DM model) in a university e-learning context using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that system quality, information quality, all affected the two mediating constructs, system use and user satisfaction, which in turn, influences the e-learning systems success. The nature of e-learning systems is fundamentally different from the environment in which the DeLone and McLean model is developed and tested, either voluntary or quasi-voluntary environments. However, e-learning systems are to be used in a mandatory environment. For that reason, the DeLone and McLean model has …a limited explanatory power for explaining the role of e-learning systems on the outcomes of e-learning. Consequently, we conclude that the primary focus of the e-learning system empirical research should shift from the system factor toward human and design factors. E-learning systems empirical research is focusing on the critical success factors of e-learning outcomes that are comparable to or superior than traditional face-to-face learning system. Show more

Keywords: Distance learning, on-line learning, student satisfaction, structural equations modeling, the DeLone and McLean model

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2012-0767

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 147-163, 2012

Authors: Yeh, Ching-Wen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The transfer of human resource management to the “cloud” is new and innovative solutions that can help enterprises achieve significant savings. The manner in which HRM systems (HRMS) create competitive advantage in the cloud computing context is little understood. This study designs a conceptual framework to explain how the Cloud-computing Based HRMS combines HR and knowledge management activities in the cloud to increase intellectual capital and enhance organizational innovation and performance. Few studies have examined the impact of Cloud computing for HRM. This study also further considers how Cloud computing influences human resource professional skill sets and tasks, and creates …challenges for human resource professionals. Finally, this study concludes by synthesizing the research results and considering future research directions. Show more

Keywords: Cloud computing, human resource management system, knowledge management, human capital, innovation, performance

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-120772

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 165-175, 2012

Authors: Yu, Fu-Lai Tony

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study investigates the sinking of the Titanic from the theory of human agency derived from Austrian economics, interpretation sociology and organizational theories. Unlike most arguments in organizational and management sciences, this study offers a subjectivist perspective of mental inertia to understand the Titanic disaster. Specifically, this study will argue that the fall of the Titanic was mainly due to a series of coordination and judgment failures that occurred simultaneously. Such systematic failures were manifested in the misinterpretations of the incoming events, as a result of mental inertia, by all parties concerned in the fatal accident, including lookouts, telegram officers, …the Captain, lifeboat crewmen, architects, engineers, senior management people and owners of the ship. This study concludes that no matter how successful the past is, we should not take experience for granted entirely. Given the uncertain future, high alertness to potential dangers and crises will allow us to avoid iceberg mines in the sea and arrived onshore safely. Show more

Keywords: The R.M.S. Titanic, maritime disaster, coordination failure, mental inertia, judgmental error, Austrian and organizational economics

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2012-0766

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 177-186, 2012

Authors: Somunoğlu, Sinem | Ofluoğlu, Gökhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Currently, while considering the responsibilities of organizational activities, it is observed that there is a fast change in the present environment of organizations, the technology they exploit, the speed of the society's expectations. The nature of the change compels the organizations to acquire a more dynamic structure, to improve the skills that can be adapted to the surrounding area, to promote the quality of their staff, and to search ways to improve their operations. All these undertakings bring together the necessity of continuous learning in the organizations. Organizations acquire the structure of a learning organization by apprehending the value of …knowledge, accessing knowledge, and enhancing knowledge, at the point where they begin giving importance to education and development. In order to maintain its existence with the knowledge it has acquired, a learning organization is concerned with the ability to conform the organizational behaviour, to adopt learning as a manner of life, and to maintain continuing education activities. The learning organization ultimately learns from past experiences, solves the problems and adopts new approaches. This study covers continuing education in the organizations, concept of learning organization, the contribution of continuing education to the learning organization process, overall characteristic of the learning organization. Show more

Keywords: Continuing education, learning organization, organizational learning

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-120773

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 187-191, 2012

Authors: Lilly, Juliana D. | Durr, David W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: New technology is implemented frequently in the workplace, placing new demands on employees that may cause stress and anxiety in the process. In addition, many people now engage in virtual work with few human interactions and an increased possibility of frustration with new, complicated technology. Employee attitudes toward new technology are important because attitudes influence behavior. Thus, manager behavior that impacts employee attitudes toward new technology may, in turn, influence employee work behaviors that are necessary for efficiency and productivity. Cognitive dissonance theory [7] is used in the present study to examine the link between manager behavior, employee attitude toward …new technology, employee attitude toward virtual work, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Results show that relationship-oriented leader behavior is positively related to attitude toward new technology and the OCB dimensions of civic virtue and loyalty, but task-oriented leader behavior is not. Attitude toward new technology is positively related to attitude toward virtual work, civic virtue and loyalty. These findings suggest that manager behavior does influence employee attitudes toward new technology and toward virtual work. As a result, managers may want to consider their leadership style when introducing new technology in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Attitude toward technology, cognitive dissonance theory, leader behavior, organizational citizenship behavior

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2012-0769

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 193-201, 2012

Authors: Kumar, Sameer | Spence, Wendell | Swartzer, Philip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this study is to understand the current consumer perceptions and to attempt to identify any recent trends that could assist U.S. automakers in repositioning themselves through appropriate integrated manufacturing and business strategies in the automobile manufacturing market after the recent economic recession which ended in June 2009. Data for this study was collected from government and private sources, as well as, a consumer survey. This data was assessed using regression, advanced forecasting, game theoretic modeling and analysis of data from survey. The industry system analysis suggests that there is a growing consumer preference for foreign automobiles. This …trend appears to be continuing into the near future, a notion that will be less than comforting to U.S. automobile manufacturers. This study is valuable to academics and executives in the auto industry affected by current and future market trends. If this research was to endure, authors would focus on other countries such as China and Korea using the same analytical framework applied in this study. Their automobiles' growing popularity may have an impact on the current automobile manufacturing industry. This was a real project, with real problems and solutions that can be acted upon. Show more

Keywords: U.S. automobile industry, light vehicle market share, product variety, manufacturing strategy, business strategy, systems thinking, system analysis, game theory

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-120774

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 203-218, 2012

Authors: Hsieh, Yi-Hua | Chan, Jui-Ying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the past, the extant research of CSR was mainly focused on the relations of CSR to organizational performance, financial performance, social responsibility investment, and firm competitiveness. In this paper, from employees' perspective, we used social identity theory, organizational justice theory, and empirical researches to develop our hypotheses. We acquired 278 valid questionnaires and exercise multiple regression and hierarchical regression. These findings revealed that employee perception of the organization's CSR effort has a positive effect on organizational commitment; employee perception of the organization's CSR effort has a positive effect on job satisfaction; job satisfaction has a positive effect on organizational …commitment; and partial mediation of job satisfaction in the relationship between employee perception of the organization's CSR effort and organizational commitment. Show more

Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, employee perception

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2012-0770

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 219-230, 2012

Authors: Úbeda-García, Mercedes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between human resources management, training policy, knowledge management (KM) and business results. The purpose of our research is to extend the emerging empirical literature on the impact of training in KM and business performance. The results obtained using a sample of Spanish firms indicate that the training policy has a positive and significant effect on company performance and KM.

Keywords: Knowledge Management (KM), human resources management, training policy, organizational performance

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2012-0771

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 231-240, 2012

Authors: Chen, Yahn-Shir | Yang, Yi-Fang | Yang, Lee-Wen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examines the moderating effects of professional training on the relation between information technology (IT) investments and financial performance of audit firms in Taiwan. The organization-level financial performance includes productivity and profitability. Total IT investments are divided into software and hardware expenditures. Empirical results indicate that professional training positively associates with productivity significantly but insignificantly with profitability. IT negatively relates to productivity and profitability. Both productivity and profitability are improved by the interaction between IT and professional training, indicating that professional training mitigates the IT productivity paradox. This study takes training and IT into account simultaneously to empirically examine …the moderator role of training in the organizational context in which IT is deployed. Evidences obtained thus contribute information to both IT and human resources management literatures. Taiwanese audit market structure is similar to that of many western countries, empirical results of this study possess global managerial implications. Show more

Keywords: Professional training, IT, performance, audit firms

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-120775

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 241-254, 2012

Authors: Guidy-Oulai, Anne-Marie | Tarn, J. Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: E-learning methods are increasingly used in organizations today for teaching, learning and training purposes. Identifying the effectiveness of e-learning methods is critical for any organization. Evaluation models and processes can be used to determine the impact of e-learning on organizations. This study reviews the major existing e-learning evaluation models and develops a checklist model for e-learning evaluation based on the findings. A two-stage validity study is conducted, including an expert panel review for model refinement and a web survey to ensure the reliability and usefulness of the instrument. The proposed E-Learning Evaluation Checklist has proven to be a useful and …effective tool that can help guide professional evaluators as well as non-evaluators when conducting an e-learning evaluation. Show more

Keywords: E-learning, evaluation, checklist, online, organization

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-120776

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 31, no. 3-4, pp. 255-267, 2012