Strategic Human Resource Management and Technology 391
Computers have also been used to replace interpersonal screening and
interviewing. In computer - assisted screening, applicants are screened over
the telephone. A digitized voice asks applicants to respond to a variety of
job - related questions, inquiring about work experience, attitudes, interests,
and skills.
Many civil service systems have adopted computerized testing. Appli-
cants read questions at a computer screen and use the keypad or mouse to
select the correct answer. Tests that require the ability to read, write, and
follow oral and visual instructions have been developed that use interac-
tive video and multimedia. The computer scores the exams as soon as
the candidates complete them, immediately notifying the candidates of the
results.
Staffi ng activities generate and use considerable information, often in
paper forms. Job descriptions, applicant material, r é sum é correspondence,
applicant profi les, applicant fl ow and tracking, and reports are the types of
information necessary for the operation of a staffi ng system.
Tasks that used to require many human hours of retrieving data from
archival fi les can now easily be performed by computers. Administra-
tive responsibilities such as tracking applicants and employees for equal
opportunity and affi rmative action goals and timetables are being han-
dled by computers. Computer programs are also being used for salary
administration and performance evaluations. Benefi ts administration is
increasingly being done through computer technology. Interactive voice
response systems are providing twenty - four - hour access to retirement
plan enrollment, savings plan inquiries and enrollment, and medical plan
inquiries. With more and more information being compiled into agency
databases, it is imperative that security measures be developed that pro-
tect sensitive or confi dential information such as medical records and
employee personnel fi les.
For all electronic information, written policies in regard to how elec-
tronic data is stored, retrieved, and destroyed should be developed to
comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. All employees need
to understand what to do to preserve electronic data and what actions to
take.
Increases in the uses of information technology require different com-
binations of skills and other resources. As public and nonprofi t organiza-
tions confront these challenges, SHRM will become even more important.
Innovative strategies will be imperative and necessary to assist organiza-
tions to prepare for changing missions, priorities, and programs.