The evolution of computer use in human resource management: interviews with ten leaders

Article Abstract:

Computer use by human resource (HR) departments is examined via interviews with 10 Fortune 500 firms. Analysis of the structural, strategic and cultural changes undergone by HR departments during this process indicates three growth stages in computer usage. These in turn, were measured across four dimensions: coverage, access, integration and decision support aspects of information. In the threshold stage, compliance with incentives, compensation and equal employment regulations prompted computerization. In the next stage, growth paths diverged according to technology used and the degree of HR centralization. For highly centralized departments using mainframes, increasing employee access to a broadening information base was evident. In contrast, decentralized divisions using personal computers developed stand-alone systems. Expansion and consolidation occured in the final stage.

Usage, Computers, Digital computers, Human resource management, Technology application, Information management, Human resource departments

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Why do employees keep choosing the high-premium health care plan? An investigation of the financial consequences and logic of employee health care plan selection

Article Abstract:

Management at Dannon Co. was surprised to find out that majority of its employees decided to stay enrolled in the old high-premium health care plan and ignore the newer health care scheme being offered. This, despite the fact that the newer plan, which required greater cost-sharing on their part but offered a lower premium and less hospital cost coverage, provided more savings. In response to this observation, the company partnered with Cornell's Center for Advanced HR Studies to determine the financial consequences and reasons behind the choices of the employees. Results showed that employees who preferred to retain membership in the old plan incurred average costs of $220 annually, some even reaching as high as $1,642 a year. Findings also revealed that employees whose medical cost pattern will be most affected by their choice were more likely to select the lower-cost option.

Fluid Milk & Cream, Fluid Milk Manufacturing, Fluid milk, Compensation and benefits, Dairy industry, Dairy products industry, Health planning, Dannon Company Inc.

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Employee health insurance decisions in a flexible benefits environment

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to examine employee health insurance decisions in a flexible benefits environment. More specifically, it identified the variables affecting employees choices among various health insurance options under a flexible benefits plan. The National Cash Register provided employee-specific selection and demographic data, and plan documentation for the 1989 enrollment period. The information obtained offered insights on the impacts of employee and plan characteristics on choice of health care plan. Findings indicated that the health plan choices of employees were affected by premium, deductible and coinsurance amounts. They were also influenced by employees' age, gender, salary and marital status. Implications are considered for the design of flexibility plans and future research.

Insurance, Workers, Cafeteria benefit plans

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