An analysis on how technology is impacting Human Resource management

Abstract

This study explores the acceptance of e-HRM by HR professionals in Malta. E-HRM is a centralised system integrating the human resource modules together. This research seeks to evaluate the department’s acceptance and reaction to technology through an interview structure and a qualitative research approach. The results suggest that in Malta, most of the organisations are aware of these systems and what they can do for the company. Some of the organisations have reservations about these technologies whilst a few professionals do not know what the role of big data within the HRM systems is. The results show that a system will never substitute the human resource professional within an organisation. This is because a computerised system cannot comprehend human emotions and employees would need the understanding of a human professional. Moreover, it is suggested that the human professional will take on another strategic role which goes beyond the daily administrative and manual tasks. These activities can be undertaken by the system thus allowing the HR professional to focus on the strategic components of the organisation. The research also shows that some of the HR professionals have their reservations when trusting a developer to develop a system for the company, where some spoke from experience whereby others expressed the concern that a developer does not have the knowledge of the daily activities of the users. HR professionals spoke about the advantages of an e-HRM and its ability to perform efficiently and provide efficient results. The system is said to provide accurate results and reports that can take up to five minutes to generate. The HR professional is thus, able to focus on more pressing matters within the organisation whereby employees can check on their own data through the system without having to go to the HR manager for that information. Notwithstanding such benefits, challenges are faced when using the system where the most common challenge is the users’ lack of trust in the system. Communication barriers were also discussed. These results imply that although there are certain challenges with regards to adopting an EHRM, participants believe that an E-HRM can truly positively affect the company in a positive way.