Enhancing Human Resource Functions through Digital Information Management Systems: The Moderating Role of Organisational Commitment

Abstract

The adoption and implementation of digital information management systems is largely viewed as a means for promoting efficiency in organisations. Conversely, the realisation of the benefits derived from full utilisation of integrated digital information management systems still remain distant, pointing to lack of efficiency for some universities, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. This lack of efficiency on the part of some universities suggests the need for accelerated incremental or adaptive digital innovations which are regarded as antecedents for the full utilisation of digital information management systems. Owing to this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of digital information management systems as an antecedent for human resource functions in promoting efficiency. The hypotheses are tested using a sample size of 202 comprising senior managers, heads of sections and human resource personnel. The authors identify enterprise resource planning and human resource information systems as factors that bring efficiency to human resource functions. Organisational efficiency is associated with sound human resource functions driven by full utilisation of digital information management systems. Furthermore, the realisation of efficiency requires commitment of resources by the organisation. The empirical outcomes suggest that the digital information management system in place is predominantly used for recruitment, training and development processes while performance management processes are largely done manually. This paper contributes to the research literature on the significance of digital information management systems utilisation particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study provides a new empirical test using a data set of 202 decision makers such as senior managers and heads of sections.