HRIS and IHRM strategy: A survey of international firms

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of information systems (IS) adoption in international human resources management (IHRM) strategy performance in international firms. A survey of the world’s largest firms (n = 391 firms) was conducted using a combination of online platforms. The updated Delone and Mclean (2003) success model was used for the research. The survey showed that firms do make extensive use of IS for IHRM, with most firms using an HRIS system rather than more limited systems. The analysis showed that specific factors (especially system quality and information quality) affected perceived IHRM process success, but did not direct IHRM strategy. The implication of this research is that firms use and recognize the usefulness of IS, but did not consider it a competitive advantage. Thus, IS is an organizational tool rather than a standalone strategy.