e-HRM: A Proposed theory based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

Abstract

electronic – Human Resource Management (e-HRM) provides the Human Resources (HR) function with the opportunity to automate certain HR process to improve HR efficiency and influence HR strategy. Automation might lead to staff disjointed due to the fact that most of the work they do will now be automated and they will not have work to do. Staff might not adopt the automated way of working. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as a widely accepted model of individual behavior can be used to study reasons why individuals adopt certain behaviors, in this instance, it can be used to determine why staff do not want to adopt an automated way of working which is to use eHRM system. This paper will discuss some of post-adoption behaviors that staff can have. South African Municipalities that are intending to adopt e-HRM will be able to know the things that they can focus on for a successful post-adoption of e-HRM. e-HRM topic is certainly not becoming outdated, and its full potential is still expected and therefore more studies in this topic will grow. This paper is intended to contribute to the South African literature pertaining to this subject. Based on a review of the extant literature on E-HRM, HR roles, and SCT, a theory model is presented and propositions outlined for future empirical testing.