Title

The Need for Human Resource Bottom-Line Measurement When Companies Appropriate Traditional Societal Responsibilities

Author

Andrea M. Statz, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Chairperson (Advisor 1)

Dr. Kimora Kachelmyer

Reader (Advisor 2)

Diane Hinds

Abstract

Is there a need for bottom-line measurement when companies appropriate traditional societal roles? This author has conducted an extensive literature review on the absence of bottom- line measurement within companies for employee-based benefits and programs. This literature review is focused primarily on the Human Resource function within the company; Human Resources tends to be the center of employee benefit and program initiation and implementation, which may include anything from basic health care benefits to extensive soft-skill training programs.

Due to the intensification of company recruitment and retention efforts within recent years, benefits have grown from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Selected companies and their employee programs are discussed and evaluated. While the need for these benefits and programs within companies may be important to gain a competitive edge, the substantial costs for these programs are immense and the return-on-investment measurement is overwhelmingly scarce.

Many theorists also feel that these programs are impeding on traditional societal roles and will eventually devastate the balance of business versus societal responsibilities. This author will discuss the ill effects that employee benefits and programs may have on employees, employers, and society as a whole. The future roles of Human Resources in relation to these issues are also discussed.

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