Evaluate current developments in the media, technological, and economic environments: CIPD Level 7 Strategic People Management Assignment, UK

Question 5
2.1 Evaluate current developments in the media, technological, and economic environments and their significance for people management.

In what ways are developments in technology currently affecting the management of people within your organization, or one that is familiar to you, and your work as a people professional? Illustrating your answer with TWO distinct examples, evaluate the major advantages and disadvantages of these developments.

Pointers for students:
Choose two examples that you can discuss about your organization or one you are familiar with. This may include but is not limited to:
 The rise in the use of social media for attraction and brand awareness,
 Use of technology to automate recruitment and selection processes,
 Increase in the use of data analytics and the rise of big data.
Increased automation affecting jobs and job roles, especially with the rise i in remote working due to the pandemic,
 Increase in employee monitoring (including via new tech).

The ways that this affects the management of people and work as people professionals will need to be analyzed and this could be different depending on which examples are chosen, the industry of the organization, and possibly the country. Use evidence from academic opinion, third-party sources, and case studies to justify and illustrate your points throughout the answer alongside data from your organization. Make sure that you analyze both from the management of people and the HR perspective. There needs to be a critical evaluation of the key pros and cons of these developments.

Implications for people management could include:
 Line manager capability in terms of managing a team with remote/ hybrid working.
 Managing and utilizing data ethically and fairly.
 Constant learning and development are required to reskill.
 Managing change effectively.
 Development of agile working practices etc.

Implications for people professionals could include:
 Attracting the candidates with the right competencies and life skills such as employees who can manage change.
 Requirement for more highly skilled workers and decrease in need for entry-level jobs.
 Improved skills matching for talent
 Employee value proposition
 Ethical practices. Increased need for IT governance. Focus on risk and compliance.
 Managing the requirement for constant learning.