The Role of Information Systems in Human Resource Management

Abstract

Over the last years, human resource management (HRM) has experienced significant transformations. The focus has passed from the administrative management tasks to becoming a strategic partner of the overall organization strategy, largely with the strong support of information technologies’ evolution in this field of knowledge area. The extended use of information systems has a deep effect in the way HRM is man aged nowadays. It boosted a major transformation of human resources (HR) processes and practices within organizations, namely on how they collect, store, use, and share information. Several HRM processes have become more efficient and the impact of this service level improvement allowed a greater involvement of HR in the business strategy. This new role in business strategy adds significant changes to HR function and to its professionals. Along this chapter, we discuss the effects of information systems in HRM, considering the existing literature on the topic, and describe the benefits and possible limitations of using them. We also provide an overview of some applications of technol ogy in functional areas of HRM, within organizations.