Chapter Overview

This chapter deals with developing an understanding of how technology affects HRM. It specifically focuses on the trends in the nature of work vis-à-vis the growth of information and communications technology (ICT). It introduces the concept of electronic HR (e-HR) and highlights how various HR sub-systems such as recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, and compensation are getting transformed owing to the impact of IT. It also highlights how traditional organizational structures are giving way to more flexible e-enabled organizational forms.

Learning Objectives

OPENING STORY

Kumbh Mela Goes Hi-tech

From using artificial intelligence to building the largest temporary city in the world, the 2019 Kumbh Mela at the Indian city of Prayagraj, earlier Allahabad, is believed to be one of the biggest religious congregations. Spread over 3,200 hectares of land with millions of pilgrims taking dip in the holy water of the Ganges River, the Kumbh Mela is equipped with hi-tech facilities and modern gadgets.

Hi-tech huts have been set up for seers and pilgrims. Over 1,000 CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence will be used by the Integrated Command and Control Centre of the police for crowd management. At the same time, they can also monitor anything that is suspicious. The police have acquired hi-tech bikes to handle emergencies. Stalls facilitating pilgrims with virtual reality experience have been set up. Social media is being deployed to keep citizens informed about the festival. Around 4,000 hotspots are being set up across the area for providing high-speed wi-fi. The administration has a fleet of 55 motorbike fire fighting system. A temporary hi-tech hospital with a capacity of 100 beds is brought up at the mela ground. In a first, a disease surveillance unit is put in place to keep an eye on the prevalence and pattern of diseases during the event. The government will deploy epidemic intelligence officers who would coordinate with medical units to keep Kumbh disease free.