Human Resource Development for IT and Technology Adoption in the Industrial Sector

Abstract

This paper is based on a research study to assess the development of the human resources based on the application of information technology in the industrial sector in Malaysia. This is a field study on the form of a survey research using a random sample of organizations representing the industrial and government sectors in Malaysia. A total of 1000 firms was selected in which questionnaires were sent, and 120 usable returns were received representing a 12% response. The distribution as the sample suggests a high concentration within the ICT industry and high-technology industry in the central and northern regions of Malaysia. Results of the study showed a moderate number of employees using IT were present in the organizations with more than half of the sample reported having employees with IT skills. There is also a low degree of technology and IT adoption among the sample with only half invested in technology and/or IT. This can be seen as a motivating factor towards encouraging more organizations to adopt IT and changing the way employees perform their business activities moving towards achieving the long-term competitiveness in the knowledge economy.