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People and Technology in the Workplace (1991) / Chapter Skim
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Introducing a Computer-Based Human Resource System into the United Way
Pages 272-278

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From page 272...
... Changes in technology and competition among philanthropic organizations over the last eight years have led to new ways of doing business requiring related changes in internal organizational structures. The United Way of Allegheny County, located in Pittsburgh, PennsyIvania, provides an innovative example of introducing a computerbased human resource system to meet the needs of the changing environment, while overcoming strong staff resistance related to fear of obsolescence and budget constraints.
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From page 273...
... The use of payroll deduction as a primary method for raising money eliminated the need for gathering names of donors. If donors work for a corporation and contribute through payroll deduction, their names are not known to the Uniter!
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From page 274...
... In addition to the internal requirements for tracking employees, there were also a number of external requirements for retirement plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
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From page 275...
... They were dubious about the system's capabilities but worked with the staff to develop a system with a Tandy 3000 personal computer, a word processing program, a relational data base, and other software. The system was up and running and all the data entered in late December 1988.
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From page 276...
... They were patient with the users in the clevelopment and training stages, and their time was not a critical factor, because we were not paying for the service on an hourly basis. Not having a deadline ensured a great deal of success.
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From page 277...
... For example, after the system was about 90 to 95 percent completed, the staff decided that this was very inefficient. To access an employee's personal record, his or her Social Security number was necessary.
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From page 278...
... This is particularly valuable to others in the organization who will soon have technology introduced into their jobs. The real value of the technological changes discussed here is not measured in dollars, but in the value to the organization of retaining the experience of the staff members affected.
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Key Terms

  • payroll deduction
  • allegheny county
  • retirement plans
  • social services
  • raise funds

  • mis staff
  • personal computer
  • percent completed
  • innovative example
  • security blankets

  • internal organizational
  • design stage
  • major factors
  • providing useful
  • sarah kiesler

  • training staff
  • money eliminated
  • staff found
  • alphabetical order
  • tracking employees

  • budget reconciliation
  • omnibus budget
  • service agencies
  • resource department
  • valuable resources

  • internal functions
  • income security
  • cassette tapes
  • inaccurate information
  • initial staff


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