Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) - Its Role and Importance in Business Competitiveness

Abstract

Emerging hyper-competitive era in the last few decades has increased the need of information system and technology in human resource management for competitiveness. The revolution in information technology is completely and swiftly redefining the way things are done in nearly every field of human activity. Human resources and information technology are two elements that many firms are looking to utilize them as strategic weapons to compete. Information systems especially developed for human resource management referred as human resource information system (HRIS) is an integrated system necessary to collect, record, store, manage, deliver and present data for human resource and hence promotes effectiveness of human resource system. Human resource technology or human resource information system shapes an interaction between human resource management and information technology. There has been a considerable increase in the number of organizations gathering, storing and analyzing information regarding their human resources through the use of human resource information system. HRIS has become a critical factor in making business competitive and effective. The present paper focuses on the role and importance of HRIS towards business competitiveness. The paper will also highlight the need, components, benefits and functions of HRIS.