Web 2.0 and SaaS for Human Resource Managers

Recently we were asked by “People and Management” a popular HR magazine in India to explain Web 2.0 and SaaS to their readers who are mainly senior HR Folks, CEOs and other management profiles. Our thoughts were published in the magazine as an article titled “Web 2.0 and The SaaS Factor for HR“. Here is the summary of this article. (Full version PDF available at request.)

If you visit Internet often, you will have, most certainly, come across the two buzz-words, Web 2.0 and SaaS. Let us discuss what these two actually are, how these are redefining the workplace and why as HR experts, should we be interested in these technology issues. It has to be borne in mind, however, that Web 2.0 and SaaS concepts apply to several domains. Here follows its application in HR Management.

The Web 2.0

This Web 2.0 is a specific type of design of a web site that allows “communication, and information sharing” amongst the owner of the website and visitors. Unlike previous forms of websites which only allowed one-Way Communication (apart from filling a contact us form), Web 2.0 websites allow visitors to communicate with the owners about the content and also enables them to communicate with each other.

The Free Factor

The most significant thing about Web 2.0 is that it is free. Unlike yesteryears, when you needed to pay to create a web site, Web 2.0 works on the concept of free utilization of this powerful resource. Now anyone who has access to Internet can create a blog or website or open an account for free.

Where does Web 2.0 comes into the HR domain? A few reasons,as to whyHR should use Web 2.0, are listed here:

1. To know what the latest is happening in HR: There are about a Hundred Good HR sites where you can know more about HR policies and processes. You can discuss and share your HR knowledge. The recommended ones are http://www.citehr.com and http://www.hrguru.com
2. To know more about your employees: Most Generation Y employees create their profiles on social networking sites. By adding them to your network, you can know more about them, their activities and their latent talents which are not visible otherwise.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a software model where the purchaser does not purchase or own the software; they just use it as and when required.

SaaS replaces the traditional ERP approach where organizations used to purchase software, hardware and then hire the consultants to customise it according to their needs. Many organisations purchased software but never used them due to lack of knowledge & consequent hesitation .