This paper discusses knowledge management and human resource management in relation to teamwork and how it is transferred within and across organizations. It defines certain concepts on these two topics and relates them on how it can be very useful in certain cases, such as the one mentioned in this paper. It also emphasizes on the role of technology as a crucial element in knowledge and human resource management. The importance of teamwork in relation to a specific case study is also discussed and given emphasis.


 


 


Introduction


During the turn of the century, the world experiences more drastic changes than before. The people, the environment, the culture, information and even religions have already changed. It is as if the whole world evolved into a massive ball of information and technology that lead to the expansion and the development of every human being. In comparison to the events that happened the past centuries, everything happens today in fast-pace; like everybody is joining a race and everybody would like to win it! With what is happening to the world right now, it could be deduced that the development of technology and the need of this technology to be known to man is the main reason why everything changes.


           


With the changes each of us undertakes, a company must be able to cope with these changes, especially in dealing with employees. In this case, a company must also adapt its policies and approach to effectively communicate with its work force. This is why the human resource management of a company must be adjusted also to suit the needs of its employees. To be able to do this, proper knowledge must also be possessed in order to apply human resource management properly, in relation to innovation and technological expertise.


 


Knowledge and Human Resource Management


            Knowledge management and human resource management are two important concepts in management of an organization. As defined by (2006), knowledge management designates an approach to improving organizational outcomes and organizational learning by introducing into an organization a range of specific processes and practices for identifying and capturing knowledge, know-how, expertise and other intellectual capital, and for making such knowledge assets available for transfer and reuse across the organization. It is very important in a firm or an organization to transfer this knowledge, as it determines their success in the business. This should be emphasized especially in using advanced technology for the improvement of the company. It was also reported, that programs in knowledge management are typically tied to specific organizational objectives and are intended to lead to the achievement of specific targeted results such as improved performance, competitive advantage, or higher levels of innovation (2006). This concept determines also the concept of human resource management, as this two concepts go hand in hand in an organization. These two concepts are major key factors in the application and role of technology in an organization and in determining how each component of a team will cooperate with each other.


           


In relation to knowledge management is the concept of human resource management, which largely affects the impact of teamwork to any organization. It was reported that human resource management is a set of practices or techniques about managing people in an organization as effectively as possible for the good of the employees, the company and society. It is also a managerial function or department, which is becoming important to organizations in their efforts to manage people as effectively as possible. Furthermore, it includes a variety of activities such as staffing needs; whether to use independent contractors or hire new employees to meet their needs, recruiting and training the best employees, ensuring they are high-performers, and dealing with performance issues ( 2005).


           


In addition, human resource management can be useful because managing people well may influence so many outcomes in an organization, such as profitability, productivity, employee involvement and investor return, which are all important to the stakeholders, the employees, the stockholders, the organization itself, the customers and the society (2005).


Knowledge Workers and Teamwork


            In relation to the mentioned concepts is the existence of a knowledge worker, which, according to  (2002) can be understood depending on the use of information in an organization.  As reported, a knowledge worker is one who works primarily with information and develops them. Because knowledge grows, all knowledge workers, particularly Research and Development project managers, need to easily access and search internal and external knowledge bases (2006). In addition, knowledge workers are believed to produce more when empowered to make the most of their deepest skills; they can often work on many projects at the same time; they know how to allocate their time; and they can multiply the results of their efforts through soft factors such as emotional intelligence and trust. Organizations designed around the knowledge worker, instead of just machine capital, are thought to integrate the best of hierarchy, self-organization and networking rather than the worst. Each dictates a different communications and rewards system, and requires activation of knowledge sharing and action learning. A basic pattern rule of human systems when you mix them you will get the worst of each unless you contextually and carefully attend to connecting the best ( 2006).


           


For all of these concepts to become effective, teamwork must exist alongside with the use of technology. Teamwork is a very important factor in all organizations when it comes to its improvement, development and establishment. According to  (1999), attitude, goals, and teamwork can make a significant difference in the eventual success of a long, complex project. In many cases, a project team literally decides to succeed, not through a genuine desire on the part of the team to be successful, but through the evolution of a shared attitude among the team members that the project will succeed no matter what.


The importance of teamwork in an organization largely determines how the organization will perform. Organizations have different components or committees in which different nature of work is distributed. However, even if each component acts separately, each must still coexist with other components and somehow work with them properly. This is possible with the concept of teamwork, with working harmoniously with other systems and with effectively applying a good deal of human resource management. Moreover, each of these components must be managed by human resource teams as effectively as possible and be reminded of their roles in the organization and the community. In addition, good communication must also be established, where the role of technology comes in. Companies nowadays are relying on the different advancement of technology, especially with the use of computer devices. Computers are now important tools in relation to cultivating effective communication.


In the case of Alcan, Incorporated, this multinational corporation has gone a long way and becomes a good case study in relation to teamwork and human resource management. It was reported that Alcan was founded in 1902, a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. It is involved in operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum, as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing. The goal of this company is to make a positive difference, and operates based on integrity, accountability, trust, transparency and teamwork. These values guide the company in making good on their commitments to maximize value. The company also strives for innovation and product excellence; to create a safe, stimulating and rewarding environment for our people; to find new opportunities for continuous improvement and profitable growth; and to ensure all activities are conducted in a sustainable manner that will not compromise the aspirations of future generations ( 2004).


Moreover, the company sees sustainability as another means for us to improve our performance by increasing the economic results of our actions and reducing environmental impacts within the context of business growth. In addition, the company will reap the benefits that result from being closer and more responsive to markets and trends in the society they serve. Thus, making the returns that shareholders demand driven by the company’s ability to invest in employees, in customer service, in the best technology and equipment and in the best performance in the areas of environment, health and safety.


The good teamwork and positive values that the company demonstrates, results in its stability and success.  Teamwork has a large impact on the success of the whole organization, as each component has its specific roles and functions and is crucial in the development of the organization.


Conclusion


            Different aspects contribute to the success of an organization and become an established firm in the business scene. Each element comprising organizations have unique roles and functions differently. Due to this distinction from one another, comes the role of the human resource management department, which is responsible for the human resource activities of the company. The role of human resource is important as it contributes to the dissemination of information in the company. It is also responsible for the knowledge management in the firm. It was reported that due to today’s highly competitive environment, organizations are encouraging the human resource departments to play many roles within the organization. This can then lead to improving productivity, enhancing the quality of work life in the organization, complying with all of the necessary laws and regulations needed in managing the firm effectively, gaining competitive advantage, and enhancing workforce flexibility ( 2005). These additional roles will not only improve the human resources department specifically, but also, improve the performance of the whole organization.            


            We must recognize that teamwork is an important aspect in the success of an organization, and that the cooperation of the work force may determine the future of the firm. In conclusion, human resource management controls knowledge management and affects the teamwork of each element that comprises the whole organization. The harmonious working together of each gives the company its full advantages.   



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