The role of human resource information systems in human resource planning in private sector organisations in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Human Resource Information System (HRIS) has become one of most vital information systems in the market. This study focuses on the role of HRIS in human resource planning (HR) in private sector organisations in Sri Lanka. The purpose is to explore the functionality and contribution of HRIS in HR planning through HRIS recruiting and training & development subsystems as perceived by senior HR executives in Sri Lankan private sector organisations. A pilot survey was carried out to identify the problem using structured interviews with Heads of HR of three selected private companies. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from senior HR executives of selected private sector companies in Sri Lanka. Answers received from 89 respondents were analysed. The overall response rate was 48 percent. The deductive mode of reasoning, cross-sectional study and quantitative techniques were selected as research methods. The results of the survey showed that the most frequently accepted HRIS feature is training needs analysis (TNA) and that there is high positive correlation between HRIS job analysis and the effectiveness of HR planning. Most Sri Lankan private sector organisations perceived the contribution to efficiency of HR planning through HRIS skill inventory, HRIS TNA, HRIS training program evaluation, HRIS succession planning, HRIS labour demand and supply analysis and decision-making, as the greatest contribution of HRIS. This study shows that HRIS needs to offer more intelligent capabilities to increase the effectiveness of HR planning. HRIS vendors need to win the trust of HR professionals through enriching features and increasing the awareness and usage of HRIS in HR planning, especially its effectiveness.