E-Business: what are the human implications of transformation?

Claire McCartney
Roffey Park £30
ISBN: 0 907416 96 9

Organisations are increasingly dependent on technology - and the internet in particular - to deliver their chosen business model. Though we have seen some famous and spectacular dotcom failures, the Internet/Web is here to stay as a business medium. Research by Roffey Park, a charity which aims to help people get the most out of their work - suggests that though the technology continues to develop, not enough attention is paid to the human side of technology-based business.

This book features 6 case studies on eBusiness initiatives (including Cable & Wireless and Sainsbury's To You) and uses these to draw out lessons on those human factors. The case study approach grounds the book in practical examples and shows the human factors, and surrounding issues, addressed in practice rather than in theory.

Of course, the 'human factors; are not new, and certainly not new to eBusiness. However, it does no harm to be reminded that they do, in fact, apply to projects that might themselves be driven by the technology.

Thus, issues that occur include buy-in, recruitment and retention, team working, innovation, terms and conditions of employment (in a high risk venture), communication, training and support. All good 'traditional' issues - but with a slightly different focus because of the different context.

Thus, the challenge of adopting successful eBusiness practices includes - even perhaps relies on - meeting the challenge of getting the people factors right!