Steve makes a good point:
> A resource is something with a store of value ... something capable of
> being used in accomplishment of some end--as opposed to a liability. All
> in all, I'd rather be a resource, thank you. Let's not read too much into
> the words, folks. Find out what people mean when they use them ...
> then you'll have something to argue about.
Steve, I agree that we shouldn't read more into words than what was
intended. However, many human resource departments treat people in such a
way that it makes them feel "owned" by the company. This is very
demeaning, and can cause substantial stress.
The word resource doesn't bother me, as much as the actions of those who
view me as a resource. In my career I've always been treated fairly and
professionally by human resources (except one minor occasion, which made
me mad enough to ask why they viewed me as a resource), but I have plenty
of evidence from other experiences as either a consultant or in conversing
with friends that indicate human resources can quickly dehumanize
employees.
--Benjamin B. Compton ("Ben") | email: bcompton@novell.com Novell, GroupWare Support Quality Manager | fax: (801) 222-6991
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>