Human resources information systems: a sociotechnical perspective

Abstract

Human Resources Information Systems continuously gain importance parallel to the developments in the business world in general and Human Resources function specifically. The importance of Human Resources Information Systems has reached to such an extent that they are seen as the only enabler that can realize the aim of Human Resources function to cost less while delivering more. However, this can only be realized after successful implementation of the Human Resources Information Systems, which is not as straight-forward as the benefits of implementing. In this study, human resources information systems implementations are analyzed by taking into account both social and technical factors, and relationships of these two; which is summarized as the sociotechnical perspective. A field research in Turkey was conducted after studying the literature and making qualitative studies. The results of the field research revealed that challenges and critical success factors found in the literature are also valid for Human Resources Information Systems implementation projects in Turkey, and more importantly, sociotechnical approach has a positive effect on the success of human resources information systems implementation projects. This study not only handles human resources information systems implementations projects from a newer perspective, but also provides insight to researchers and also human resources professionals about having a deeper understanding of the implementations of Human Resources Information Systems.