Web 2.0 and HR

Few topics have excited so much interest for our profession in such a short time as Web 2.0.

There is currently a proliferation of articles and short conferences on the subject and a rising tide of interest. Yet a consideration of the discussion to date suggests that there is more heat than light. There is a deal of emphasis on illustrations, mainly from knowledge intensive, high-technology organisations, but little analysis.

In our view what is required now is:

• An understanding of the extent that Web 2.0 represents a new idea. Is it different?
  
  
• The development of a clear vocabulary and terminology
  
  
• A serious consideration of the potential for and drawbacks of the use of Web 2.0 in today’s organisations.

Accordingly, as a first step we have invited Professor Graeme Martin and the team from Glasgow University to prepare a discussion paper addressing the issues. We welcome your views and have established a discussion thread for this purpose. At various points is the paper there are questions with a link to the thread.

Please give us your ideas, feedback and opinion about Web 2.0.

Published June 2008