Human Resource Case Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Resource Case Studies - Essay Example Implementation of pay equity legislation for state jobs in some states of US such as Minnesota (Pay Equity and Comparable Worth) as well as some provinces in Canada brought pressure on the human resource managers in private sector to implement similar schemes. The pressure stems from the fact that these companies compete in the same marketplace for human resources. This pressure and its implications in implementation are evident in the discussion between Janet Sawyer and Charles Cooper in the case study. Two levels of challenges can be identified in comparable worth implementation in an organization. The first is at the planning stage and relates to whether any comparable worth program is actually fair and accurate or not ? The second level is at the implementation stage and questions whether these changes are perceived to be fair ? Adjusting pay for equally valued jobs lies at the core of the comparable worth concept. While several approaches have been taken, studies show that evaluation procedures to measure inherent worth of jobs do not always produce accurate results nor can be defined objectively (Arnault et al 806-815). It is also claimed that traditional job evaluation systems inherently contain a sex bias (Bose and Spitze 184). Human resource managers face their first challenge in ensuring that their measurement of value for jobs is accurate and fair, free of bias, and must select the right parameters, studies and consultants to reach their conclusions. The second challenge arises once the program is being implemented. While the program is aimed at bringing equity in compensation for a disadvantaged group, changes in the usual wage increase patterns may introduce a perception of inequitable distribution in other groups (Koziara 14). For instance, Koziara notes that higher paid groups may perceive that any wage increases for women are being made at the cost of their potential wage increase or that they may even face pay cuts. The