Social Networking

Introduction to Social Network Theory
Social network theory is a branch of social science that applies to a wide range of human organizations, from small groups of people to entire nations. The term network refers to a set of objects, or nodes, and a mapping or description of the relationship between the objects. In the case of social networks, the objects refer to people or groups of people.  Read more.

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Friday Special:

SHRM Announces 2007 Pinnacle Award Recipients

Winners span U.S.: Ala., Alaska, Calif., Ga., Ind., Maine, Ohio

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) today announced the nine recipients of the 2007 SHRM Pinnacle Award.

Created in 1991, the award honors chapters and state councils whose members create innovative programs and initiatives that extend beyond the standard activities of SHRM affiliates.

Eight SHRM state chapters and one SHRM state council received $1,000 Pinnacle Award grants during the 2007 SHRM Leadership Conference held in Arlington, Va. The 2007 award is sponsored by Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP).

"Pinnacle Award winners create HR initiatives that show vision and creativity, exemplary leadership, and professional excellence in strategic HR management," said SHRM President and CEO Sue Meisinger.

"Today's HR professionals continue to raise the bar in successful human capital management," said Mike Martone, chief operating officer, ADP. "As an organization that partners with thousands of HR professionals, we applaud the chapters and state councils honored today for their ability to execute programs that contribute to advancing the HR profession. ADP is proud to once again sponsor this prestigious SHRM award, which acknowledges outstanding industry leadership."

The 2007 SHRM Pinnacle Award state council winner is:

• California State Council of SHRM (Calif.)
"California State HR Certification Program"

The 2007 SHRM Pinnacle Award chapter winners are:
• Tuscaloosa Human Resource Professionals (Ala.)
"Improving Your Odds with Workforce Development"

• Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management (Alaska)
"ASHRM's Partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage's ‘Mayor's Diversity Week'"

• SHRM of Tulare/Kings County (Calif.)
"Tag, You're It"

• SHRM-Atlanta (Ga.)
"Embrace the Profession Membership Drive"

• SHRM-Columbus Area (Ga.)
"2007 Russian Project"

• Wabash Valley Human Resources Association (Ind.)
"High School Leadership Program"

• Maine Society for Healthcare Human Resource Administration (Maine)
"How to Succeed When You Go For An Interview"

• Toledo Area Human Resource Association (Ohio)
"Extreme Makeover, Workforce Edition"

For additional information on winning programs, please see following pages or visit the online press release at http://www.shrm.org/press.

Society for Human Resource Management
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 225,000 individual members, the Society's mission is both to serve human resource management professionals and to advance the profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM currently has more than 576 affiliated chapters within the United States and members in more than 135 countries. Visit SHRM Online at www.shrm.org. ADP Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE: ADP), with nearly $8 billion in revenues and approximately 585,000 clients, is one of the world's largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. Leveraging more than 55 years of experience, ADP offers a wide range of HR, payroll, tax and benefits administration solutions from a single source. ADP's easy-to-use, cost-effective solutions for employers provide superior value to companies of all types and sizes. ADP is also a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to auto, truck, motorcycle, marine and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the world. For more information about ADP or to contact a local ADP sales office, reach us at 1.800.225.5237 or visit the company's Web site at www.ADP.com.

WINNER PROFILES SHRM Announces 2007 Pinnacle Award Recipients

Winners Span U.S.: Ala., Alaska, Calif., Ga., Ind., Maine, Ohio

California State Council of SHRM (Calif.)

"California State HR Certification Program"
The California State Council (CASC) of SHRM represents the interests of more than 26,000 HR professionals who are members of SHRM or SHRM-affiliate chapters, CA-based non-members and out-of-state HR professionals responsible for employees in their California branches. While the national certification program is essential for every serious HR practitioner, it is an incomplete measure of the knowledge required to manage HR effectively in California. Employers nationally were looking for a comprehensive guide to California HR laws.

To meet that need, we developed The California HR Certification Program, a secured exam administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute, or HRCI, along with comprehensive educational materials (four participant volumes, instructor's manual and practice questions). This spring, the CASC established training programs hosted by our chapters to prepare test-takers with an instructor bank for SHRM and all SHRM chapters to rely on for content expertise.

We are proud that 139 people sat for the exams in April and June and now have 99 professionals with dual certification (SPHR-CA or PHR-CA), amazing numbers for a program that has been in effect for less that a year. This December, the first electronic CA exam will be held nationally with our SHRM-published preparation materials available through group study, individual self-study and corporate programs.

Tuscaloosa Human Resource Professionals (Ala.)

"Improving Your Odds with Workforce Development"

During the late 1990's, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama experienced unprecedented industry expansion. The ability to recruit and retain qualified workers for existing industry and recruit new employees for new industry became difficult. The law of supply and demand was exacerbated by a low 3.5 percent unemployment rate. Initial efforts in workforce development pursued long-term goals. For example, School-To-Career projects strengthened the relationship between employers and educators. However, short-term and mid-term results remained elusive. Several members of the local SHRM chapter, Tuscaloosa Human Resources Professionals (THRP), representing new and existing industry, education and the local career center developed a solution. Beginning in January 2007 a six-week pre-employment and return to work program was developed for applicants to gain requisite industry skills to fulfill their personal career goals and meet the hiring needs of local employers. The program was an instant success and representatives from the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education and the U.S. Department of Labor visited to gain a first-hand perspective and understand the unique collaboration between employers, education and the labor exchange system. Through the efforts of THRP this program and raised the quality of life for residents in Tuscaloosa County.

Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management (Alaska)

"ASHRM's Partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage's ‘Mayor's Diversity Week'"

In July 2004, Mayor Mark Begich announced that in September, an event called "Mayor's Diversity Week" would be launched by the Municipality of Anchorage. This effort was a celebration of the diversity of the population of Anchorage, Alaska, a community representing a wide variety of peoples, cultures and religions, and which boasts 93 different languages. Community members and organizations were encouraged to host events that combat bias and promote a respect for diversity. ASHRM saw the opportunity to participate and help educate the community on how to make the business case for diversity while helping people understand how to value individual differences in the workplace. ASHRM hosted a Diversity Seminar entitled "Cross-Cultural Communication." The seminar surpassed our expectations, attracting members from cultural, community, business, civic, religious, and school-based organizations. The community feedback was so overwhelming that we have participated every year with topics ranging from the impact of diversity on human resources, disability, and by popular demand, a second session on cross-cultural communication. Mayor Begich actively supports our partnership by attending our programs each year. These events have now become the staple of our September programs and crucial in the variety of events during the now annual Mayor's Diversity event.

SHRM of Tulare/Kings County (Calif.)
"Tag, You're It"

The Tulare/Kings Counties are in Central California, an agricultural area with high unemployment, low skill levels, and small businesses. In our annual PHR/SPHR study groups, it became apparent that many of our local membership and HR community were new to the field of HR and eager for entry to mid-level HR knowledge. Many were promoted from administrative positions. Therefore, we felt that a different venue was needed to bring more relevant training and guidance. "Tag, You're It" was born. We developed a series of nine three-hour workshops aimed at providing fundamental HR awareness, understanding, and compliance of federal and state laws. The series was affordably priced at $100. A list of "hot topics" was developed by the Board and then presented to the membership for volunteer facilitators. Members who were certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute, or HRCI, jumped at the opportunity to serve the profession by facilitating individual classes. We budgeted for 15 students the first year and ended with 37. The workshop series is on its second year with 33 students and plans are underway for Year Three. Because of this series, the human resource community has made great strides in educating, increasing awareness, and providing a valuable service to local small business.

SHRM-Atlanta (Ga.)

"Embrace the Profession Membership Drive"

2007 has marked a year of record success for SHRM-Atlanta, as membership grew from 1,630 to more than 2,283 members. With industry changes such as outsourcing and downsizing, SHRM-Atlanta saw a critical need to promote positive change for the human resource profession. As such, it was determined that the most effective way to provide support and direction for the profession was to increase membership, awareness and participation in SHRM-Atlanta and SHRM. Our overarching goal was to increase membership by improving programming and providing greater membership value. We accomplished these objectives by implementing the following: creating corporate membership discounts; aggressively recruiting SHRM (At-Large) members and promoting membership in SHRM; revamping the membership renewal process; adding programming that appeals to senior-level HR leaders; creating an Ambassador Program to successfully engage new members; and creating members-only benefits, including content on the Web site and Webinars. We hope to share our membership strategies with other chapters.

SHRM-Columbus Area (Ga.)

"2007 Russian Project"

After a successful partnership with local Rotarians in 2005, SHRM Columbus was asked to again facilitate the training of 13 Russian Human Resource Professionals in April 2007. Planning began in November 2006 with the formation of a committee of 30 SHRM volunteers. Our volunteers met monthly to discuss seminar topics, speakers, venues and community activities. During their time with us, the Russian delegates were taught by fellow HR professionals, business leaders, community leaders, our mayor, Army officials, SHRM's Shelly Prochaska, Harry Wallack and former President Jimmy Carter. SHRM Columbus hosted a farewell social on the last day of their visit. Our goal was to recognize Russian HR Professionals, host families, host companies, and local dignitaries. Additionally, we were able to provide a workforce development opportunity for three local schools. Columbus Technical College's and Jordan High School's Culinary Arts Department prepared, showcased, and served the food for our international event. Chattahoochee Valley Community College's Jazz Ensemble entertained guests with light music as they toured the Civil War Naval museum. The subcommittee that was formed to organize the farewell social successfully raised enough money to sponsor the event as well as give substantial donations to each school's participating departments and SHRM Foundation.

Wabash Valley Human Resources Association (Ind.)

"High School Leadership Program"

Chartered on June 9, 1959 the Wabash Valley Human Resources Association (WVHRA) is the second oldest chapter in Indiana with more than 100 active members. The WVHRA strongly believes the single most important characteristic of an effective employee is leadership skills. This belief has led to the partnering of Ivy Tech Community College and the WVHRA. Together we have developed the High School Leadership Program (HLSP) for high school students. HLSP will allow them the opportunity to complete leadership coursework, develop leadership skills within a group setting, and intern with Wabash Valley employers to see leadership in action.

The course focuses on: leadership styles, effective communications, teamwork work habits, ethics and values, diversity, and problem solving. The students will need to complete 64 hours within a 12 month period. Upon completion of the program students will receive three credit hours from Ivy Tech. The 64 hours are broken into three-hour sessions that are held monthly. The sessions were instructed by HR professionals of the Wabash Valley. The ultimate goal is to create opportunities for leadership skill building which may lead to secondary educational planning or employment.

Maine Society for Healthcare Human Resource Administration (Maine)
"How to Succeed When You Go For An Interview"

How does someone learn the critical life skill of making a great first impression when going for a job or college interview? Human Resource professionals have been asked to provide interviewing training for years, but the Maine Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (MSHHRA), has developed a creative new tool to deliver this service! First, we teamed up with a local high school to produce a video training tool FOR students BY students. Furthermore, we collaborated with the Maine School Counselor Association to assure that the final product fully met the needs of our state's educators.

MSHHRA members have free copies of the DVD to distribute to local schools. Members now have a "plug and play" tool they can use as part of their presentation or, utilizing the benefits of today's technology, we now can provide this community service state-wide without even being there! The video is on our Web site along with valuable educational tools such as lesson plans, potential interview questions and sample thank you letters. This flexible tool can be used one-on-one or in groups to help students prepare for those important interviews that will determine whether they get selected for either the college or job of their choice.

Toledo Area Human Resource Association (Ohio)

"Extreme Makeover, Workforce Edition"

The Toledo Area Human Resource Association (TAHRA) teamed up with Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC) in an effort to bring together organizations with employment opportunities and an untapped group of candidates eager to work. This group consists of folks with disabilities who have the skills, abilities, and desire to be employed but experience 40 percent unemployment nationwide. As an affiliate chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), TAHRA is a 400-plus member organization dedicated to advancing the human resources profession and serving the professional. ORSC is Ohio's state agency that provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities become employed and independent.

During fiscal year 2006, ORSC provided services to 54,423 Ohioans with disabilities. Approximately 8,320 obtained or maintained competitive employment at an average annual salary of $20,496. TAHRA's board embarked on "Extreme Makeover, Workforce Edition" to build social awareness, create strategic alignment to address the impending labor shortage, and improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. While this endeavor began in August 2006 and is still evolving, the feedback from ORSC, the job seekers, and local employers is positive. Thus far, six ORSC job seekers have secured employment with three employers.

For additional information on winning programs, please see following pages or visit the online press release at http://www.shrm.org/press.

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