Employee Attributes

Employee Attributes

Specific attributes: job-related e.g. technical knowledge; good working procedures e.g. health and safety, security; work attitudes

General attributes: skills e.g. planning skills, organisational skills, time management, team working, verbal skills, written communication skills, numeracy, and creativity

Attitudes: preferred e.g. determined, independent, integrity, tolerance, dependable, problem solving, leadership, confidence, self-motivation

Specific attributes	Definitions
Technical knowledge	A person working within the ICT would need to ensure that they have a good understanding of different aspects of their job. For example, a technician would need to know how to change something internal, such as a RAM. (1)
Health and safety	In ICT, the health and safety issues that a worker would have to worry about would be things such as, eye strain, back pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), deep vein thrombosis and stress. (2)
Security	In all areas of work, security is very important when computers are involved. These security measures include backups, firewalls, encryption, software patches/updates, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, access rights, auditing, user ID’s and passwords. (3)
General attributes	Definitions
Organisational skills	It’s important for someone to have organisation skills in the workplace because if they plan they will be able to decide which is the most important, and are able to accomplish the tasks fairly quickly knowing what order to do them. They also have to manage time when doing these tasks as some might need more time than others, or may have a closer deadline. (4)
Teamwork	Teamwork is important in the workplace because it increases performance in work production. It can benefit employees because they are sharing the workload, building mutual associations, increasing the work pace, learning opportunities, lessening risks, first-rate output, a healthy competition, mutual creativity, job satisfaction, mutual organizational interests and overall reputation of the organization. (5)
Written communication	Written communication is important in a workplace because it is a record of what has happened, evidence of what has happened, delegation by sharing information throughout the company in different departments, contact to maintain communication with clients, employees and suppliers, and advertising to attract prospective buyers/customers. There are five types of written communication: ·         Contracts and agreements – in the form of a letter to offer a possible employee, a letter of intent, confidentiality agreements, terms and conditions, business introduction letter etc. ·         Emails – emails have replaced handwritten letters, but the basic letter writing and other skills for writing apply in written these emails. Emails in the workplace can be used as evidence in a court of law. ·         Intranet – the intranet can be used for vertical (from the top of the management to the employees) and horizontal (within a single department on the same level) communication. Companies use intranet, which gives them the facility of being connected via a network to the workstations of their colleagues. ·         In-house Newsletters/Magazines – it helps employees explore their hidden talents and everyone gets to know everyone better when they see them in the journals. ·         Others – other small forms of written communication includes notices, circulars, rosters, posters, memos etc. They are seen all across the office and can be changed frequently. Sometimes they can very crucial forms of written communication. (6)
Attitudes	Definitions
Independent	When employees to advance their independence, it helps them grow personally and professionally. It also allows managers to concentrate on other tasks, knowing that workers are getting on with the job and making profit for the company. (7)
Dependable	Dependability is an important quality for a worker as it allows a wider variety of job performance categories. A dependable employee shows up for work on time everyday, produces consistent work and can apply company policies and business strategies evenly to each task and assignment. (8)
Leadership skills	Leadership skills is an important quality for a work because it means: ·         They have direction – they are focused on their job and aren’t easily distracted. They work proactively, seeking new ideas and ways to improve things. They provide others with direction as well, and they inspire others to be dedicated. ·         Leaders are good communicators – they interact well with others despite personality types and know how to confidently and effectively convey messages to others. They also remember little things about other colleagues, like their interests, skills and experiences, which strengthen their working relationship and encourage them to be more dedicated. ·         They are positive – they don’t focus on the negatives, but show others how important their contributions are. So when they are faced with a problem, they don’t get wrapped up with the negatives, but look for the best solution and focus on reaching it. ·         Successful leaders are solutions-driven – they see the problem and work for a solution, and encourage others to help them. Leaders see the bigger picture and constantly moving toward a specific goal. (9)

 

Bibliography

(1)  http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_technical_knowledge_mean
(2)  http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/health_safety/miniweb/pg4.htm
(3)  http://www.teach-ict.com/as_a2_ict_new/ocr/AS_G061/317_role_impact_ict/ict_crime/miniweb/pg7.htm
(4)  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/organizational-skills-in-the-workplace.html
(5)  http://blog.rozee.pk/2010/02/03/teamwork-essence-workplace-productivity
(6)  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/written-communication-in-the-workplace.html
(7)  http://www.helium.com/items/1887161-how-to-encourage-independence-in-the-workplace
(8)  http://smallbusiness.chron.com/dependability-important-person-workplace-15463.html
(9)  http://community.gettinghired.com/blogs/articles/archive/2010/10/04/the-importance-of-leadership-in-the-workplace.aspx