TITLE:
Effects of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Functions on Performance of Public Institutions: A Case of Zambia Air Force (ZAF)
AUTHORS:
Allan Mushumba, Mayumbo Nyirenda
KEYWORDS:
Human Resource Information Systems, Organisational Performance, Personnel Records Management, Payroll Management, Employee Relocation Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Business and Management,
Vol.13 No.1,
December
10,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study examines the impact of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) functions on the performance of public institutions, specifically the Zambia Air Force (ZAF). The research aims to assess the effects of HRIS personnel records management, payroll management, and employee relocation management on ZAF’s performance. A mixed methods approach was used, with structured questionnaires administered to 105 ZAF employees and in-depth interviews conducted with key informants. The study employed a descriptive research design to explore the relationships between HRIS functions and organisational performance metrics within ZAF. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation across different ranks and departments within ZAF. Key informants like IT and HR heads were purposively selected to provide expert insights into the implementation and impacts of HRIS functions within ZAF. The findings reveal that while HRIS enhances administrative efficiencies, these benefits do not translate into statistically significant improvements in broader organisational performance metrics at the conventional 0.05 significance level. The regression analysis indicates a moderate relationship between HRIS functions and ZAF’s performance, with HRIS explaining approximately 49% of the observed variability. The study emphasises the intricate dynamics involved in evaluating HRIS impacts within military contexts, where factors such as security protocols, operational hierarchies/needs, and specialised performance criteria significantly influence outcomes. Recommendations include enhancing HRIS integration with ZAF’s strategic objectives, investing in comprehensive user training, adopting a proactive approach to continuous system evaluation and improvement, prioritising data accuracy and security, and strategic planning for future technological integration to ensure HRIS remains adaptive and responsive to evolving organisational needs and challenges.