ELECTRONIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AS AN ENABLER OF SUSTAINABLE HR PRACTICES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Although e-HRM have been disseminated in an increasing number of higher education institutions, the exploration of the relationship between e-HRM and the support for sustainable HR practices remain under-researched. The objective of this research is centred around assessment of degree of e-HRM adoption, extent to which e-HRM supports sustainable HR practices, HR outcomes related to e-HRM adoption, and barriers to effective e-HRM implementation in higher education. An exploratory and descriptive research designs was followed with questionnaire as research instrument, to collect data from sample of academics and administration employees. The mean and SD frequency tables of e-HRM practices, sustainability-oriented HR outcomes, organizational HR effectiveness, and barriers to effective e-HRM implementation were examined. The outcome of these analyses indicated that e-HRM is widely adopted in recruitment, digitization of payroll, training systems, integration of processes, etc. There is high agreement across respondents on sustainable HR Practices: paperless operations, reduced usage of resources, and aligning HR activities with institutional sustainability goals comes with little surprise. HR Outcomes in terms of Efficiency/Cost Savings, Transparency, Strategic HR planning, and Availability of HR information were seen in a positive light by respondents. However, moderate barriers still exist in terms of Data Security, Costs associated with implementation, Infrastructure Readiness, and Resistance to Change. Thus, it can be concluded that e-HRM will function as a strategic enabler of Sustainable HR Practices; however, improved Digital Infrastructure and Employee Support Mechanisms are needed within Higher Education Institutions.