Human Resource Implications of Information Technology in State Government

Abstract

This paper discusses the human resource implications of information technology in state government. It outlines how changing information technologies have strong influences on the nature and operation of public programs, on the structure and function of public organizations, and on the content of public service jobs. Within this larger context, we discuss specific human resource problems in five key areas: title structures; recruitment, testing and selection; performance appraisal, rewards and compensation; training and professional development; and civil service processes. The paper concludes by outlining four broad issues which underlie these specific problems: the special demands of technical occupations, the emergence of hybrid job types, non-traditional qualifications for leadership positions in information management, and the need to transform the public workforce from within.