What This Document Is
This document presents detailed instructional content for a university-level course in Organization Behavior and Human Resources. Specifically, it delves into the critical concepts of Human Capital and Social Capital, exploring their nuances and impact within organizational settings. It’s designed to provide a robust understanding of how individual attributes and relational networks contribute to firm performance and competitive advantage. This material is part of a larger course module and builds upon foundational principles of strategic human resource management.
Why This Document Matters
Students enrolled in Organization Behavior, Human Resources, or related business courses will find this resource particularly valuable. It’s ideal for those seeking to grasp the theoretical underpinnings of workforce management and the strategic importance of developing and leveraging both individual skills and organizational connections. Professionals in HR, management, and consulting roles can also benefit from a deeper understanding of these concepts to inform their practices and decision-making. This material is best utilized during study sessions, as preparation for class discussions, or when building a foundational understanding of strategic human capital management.
Topics Covered
* The distinction between Human Capital and Human Capital Resources
* The emergence process of converting individual skills into organizational assets
* Firm-specificity of Human Capital and its implications
* Human Capital as a source of competitive advantage (VRIO framework)
* The relationship between firm-specific skills and employee mobility
* The impact of employee turnover on organizational Human Capital
* Cognitive and non-cognitive aspects of Human Capital
* Contextual factors influencing Human Capital development
What This Document Provides
* A clear definition and exploration of key terminology related to Human and Social Capital.
* An examination of how Human Capital contributes to a firm’s ability to achieve and sustain competitive advantage.
* Insights into the tensions that can arise between organizational needs and employee career goals regarding Human Capital development.
* A framework for understanding the process by which individual skills become valuable organizational resources.
* Opportunities for self-assessment through knowledge-checking questions.
* References to relevant academic literature for further exploration.
