Human Resources Modernization

Modernization may be defined quite simply as an improvement that makes a business more efficient. This can be accomplished by replacing or upgrading out of date skills, processes, or technologies. For the purposes of this playbook, modernization is defined as, ‘the progressive transition from traditional business practices (i.e., organizational structure, transactional processes and procedures, workforce competencies and qualifications, and legacy technologies) to more current practices that provide an operational advantage to performance (i.e., quality, timeliness, satisfaction) and possibly cost efficiency.’

Key to successful modernization is the ‘progressive’ or incremental nature of effort. That is, agencies are often best suited to smaller changes that can be more easily funded, monitored for outcomes, and controlled for risk.

Lastly, modernization proposes a change in mindset, wherein decision makers, managers and front-line workers willingly adopt new modes of performing traditional work for the express purpose of improving performance, replacing unnecessary legacy processes or technologies, and freeing up time to take on new activities.