This article “Working in the Connected World” by Valdis Krebs states that not the sum of individual employees that provides an organizations competitive advantage. According to Krebs, the unique interconnectivity of the individuals will provide some economic players with an advantage over those who are not so well connected.
Krebs assigns the role of managing these networks to the HR department of the organizations. In order to do this, HR must not only consider the vertical, but also horizontal and diagonal relationships within the organization. The focus is shifting from strictly internal connections to internal and external connections to all stakeholders. The article states four key areas where HR will need to map, monitor and mold social capital: Identification, Development, Retention and Enhancement.
Even though this article was published in 2000, I believe it still holds true today. I just wonder how many HR department have seen this chance to significantly contribute to the competitiveness of the organization and have reacted accordingly. What have HR departments done to adapt?
Holger
http://orgnet.com/HumanCapitalSocialCapital.pdf
1 comment:
Good article, interesting subject, reliable source.
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