Cyborgs in the Workplace: Redefining Human Resource Management for a Hybrid Workforce

Abstract

Cyborg employees – people with augmented body parts – are expected to become part of the workforce and their HRM has not yet been addressed in the literature. This chapter discusses the issues of how the organisation's processes of human resource management must adapt to the implications of the existence of cyborgs within an organisation's payroll. It also considers the ramifications of cyborg workers for recruitment, training motivational appraisal, and performance, especially with reference to ethical issues and the fact that new measures and policies will be necessary to cover cyborg staff. Moreover, it presents the need of technology in allowing this transition and the resulting implications that can arise on the organizational culture and concerning the employees. The chapter will conclude with a look into the future of HRM with enhanced technologies that are emerging with ever-nearing speed of erasing the difference between man and a robot.