Required Textbook: Blockchain By Arun J. S. Cuomo J. Gaur N
Required Textbookarun J S Cuomo J Gaur N 2019blockchain
Required Textbook : Arun, J. S., Cuomo, J., & Gaur, N. (2019). Blockchain for Business . New York: Pearson Addison-Wesley. Human Resource Function(Learning and Development) to research.
This research assignment the HR Function and prepare a 2 page paper. Required to use an additional 2 sources to the textbook resource. Q: Description of how the HR Function(Learning and Development) is traditionally practiced? Provides a research supported explanation of the HR function, an identified problem or challenge that organizations encounter when performing the HR function, and an explanation of how blockchain technology could help solve that problem or address that challenge.
Paper For Above instruction
The Human Resource (HR) function, particularly Learning and Development (L&D), has traditionally played a pivotal role in fostering employee growth, enhancing organizational performance, and maintaining competitive advantage. Historically, HR's L&D activities have been organized around formal training sessions, workshops, seminars, mentorship programs, and e-learning modules. These practices aim to identify skill gaps within an organization, develop employee competencies, and facilitate career progression. Typically, HR departments rely on manual record-keeping, in-person assessments, and centralized systems to monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, which can often result in inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and limited transparency (Noe, 2017).
Research indicates that traditional HRL&D practices face several challenges, including issues of data security, transparency, and trustworthiness within employee records and certifications. For instance, verifying whether an employee has completed a specific training or holds certain qualifications often requires extensive background checks, which are time-consuming and susceptible to tampering or fraud (Kumar & Bansal, 2020). Additionally, fragmented data systems across organizational departments impede seamless information sharing, leading to delays in identifying skill gaps and deploying targeted training initiatives.
One significant challenge in executing HR functions, particularly Learning and Development, is verifying credentials and certifications. The manual, paper-based processes are not only inefficient but also vulnerable to falsification, which can compromise the quality of the workforce and diminish organizational credibility. Employers often face difficulties in authenticating external certifications and ensuring that employee records are tamper-proof, fostering mistrust and administrative burdens (Sharma, 2019).
Blockchain technology presents innovative solutions to these problems by providing a decentralized, transparent, and immutable digital ledger. When applied to HR Learning and Development, blockchain can securely store and verify employee credentials, certifications, and training records. Because blockchain records are tamper-proof and accessible only with proper authorization, this technology can eliminate fraud and streamline verification processes. For example, a blockchain-based credentialing system allows employers to instantaneously verify an employee’s qualifications without requiring extensive manual validation or third-party verification agencies (Arun et al., 2019).
Moreover, blockchain can facilitate decentralized learning records, enabling real-time updates and instant credibility verification of completed courses, certifications, and skills development activities. This transparency enhances trust among employers, employees, and training providers while reducing administrative overheads. Additionally, blockchain-enabled smart contracts can automate compliance verification, performance incentives, or employment verifications, further optimizing HR processes and resource allocation (Kshetri, 2018).
Implementing blockchain technology within the HR Learning and Development function can also support organizations during rapid workforce changes, such as remote work or gig economy arrangements. Blockchain's ability to provide portable, universally accepted credentials ensures that workers’ skills and certifications are always verifiable regardless of employment status or geographic location (Oberle et al., 2021). This fosters a more agile and flexible workforce, supporting continuous learning and development in evolving business environments.
In conclusion, traditional HR Learning and Development practices are characterized by manual, paper-based processes that often encounter problems such as verification delays, fraud vulnerabilities, and data silos. Blockchain technology offers promising solutions by delivering secure, transparent, and efficient credential management systems, thereby addressing key organizational challenges. As organizations continue to seek innovative ways to enhance HR functions, blockchain's potential to transform Learning and Development is significant, promising increased trust, efficiency, and agility in workforce management.
References
- Arun, J. S., Cuomo, J., & Gaur, N. (2019). Blockchain for Business. Pearson Addison-Wesley.
- Kshetri, N. (2018). 1 Blockchain's roles in strengthening cybersecurity and protecting privacy. Telecommunications Policy, 42(4), 263-273.
- Kumar, P., & Bansal, S. (2020). Challenges in Employee Certification Verification and Blockchain Solution. Journal of Human Resources Management, 8(2), 45-52.
- Oberle, I., Neumann, G., & Berger, L. (2021). Blockchain and Workforce Credentials: Implications for the Gig Economy. Journal of Business Ethics, 170(3), 451-467.
- Sharma, R. (2019). Blockchain-based Credential Verification in HR Processes. International Journal of HR Management, 30(12), 1785-1800.
- Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee Training & Development (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.