Human Resource Information System (HRIS): Advantages, Barriers and Solutions: A Qualitative Study of Government Hospitals in Peshawar

Abstract

This study examines the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), its advantages, barriers, and solution in the context of government hospital in Peshawar, KP, and Pakistan. In order to streamline human resource operations and activities, HRIS are accepted and used by organizations including hospitals. The adoption and usage of HRIS plays a vital role in accomplishing organizational goals. For accomplishing the research objectives of this study, data was collected from the four government hospitals in Peshawar that use the HRIS. Data was collected through face to face semi structured interviews from the twenty-seven staff members working in HRIS because they are directly involved in the implementations of the HRIS since its execution in 2015 after MTI reforms. Thematic analysis is used ascertain, analyze and report themes in the data. It was revealed that government hospitals have been using HRIS since 2015 onward and the software used for data processing is System Applications and Products (SAP). This cross sectional study used interpretive research philosophy, where qualitative (inductive) research approach is used. It was revealed that HRIS is very much beneficial for the government hospitals because the HRIS is the primary repository for personnel data in a single system, where a variety of personnel data is readily available. Record-keeping of personnel data in the HRIS is considered as the most reliable source of staff data. There are very few chances of employees’ data loss. It was revealed that HRIS is very effective in terms of cost and time as it helps in minimizing cost and saving time that is normally consumed on manual system. An accurate record is maintained of hundreds of employees working in different shifts and electronic report is generated on monthly basis or any other report required by potential users along with projections. Furthermore, it was identified that the system can work more efficiently if HR sections get occupied by computer literate and English proficient individuals. The current study is limited to government hospitals of Peshawar, KP, however future studies can be conducted in the same area by taking private hospitals in Peshawar as well as across Pakistan or conducting a comparative study. In addition, this study facilitates the practitioners better understand HRIS adoption and assessing the existing barriers to the implementation of HRIS. The regulatory authorities of health sector must amend and issue the series of regulations and HR policies to effectively manage the human resources in public hospitals. This research study recommends that every hospital, regardless of size, must implement HRIS to manage their human resource activities as well as robust IT infrastructure so they can attract and choose the best candidates, train them properly, and provide better education with the optimum rewards.