Identification of the Co-Responsibility Zone as an Element in the Negotiation of the Automation of Human Resources Processes

Abstract

The use of information technologies for the management of people in the organization has contributed to the development of Human Resource Management (HRM) area, which has gone from performing operational functions to being a generator of strategic value and competitive advantages. Research on this subject has been developed from different perspectives, which possibly influences the inconsistency of the results found. Although Bondarouk, Parry, and Furtmueller (2017) propose a reference framework to achieve its integration, after carrying out an extensive review and comprehensive analysis of the literature, this framework requires updating and complementing itself. The current literature has focused on the adoption and consequences phases of these projects and has neglected the planning phase. A proposal that attempts to clarify this black box was made, then qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was carried out to verify if the co-responsibility zone is present in the process for the automation of human resources management. To do this, first a systemic literature review was carried out, then an exploratory qualitative study was carried out on the experience of users and finally the qualitative study was carried out to find evidence to support the proposal made. Based on our findings we can say that the e-HRM / HRIS theory continues to be developed. Furthermore, in the planning, implementation and operation of e-HRM there is a gap between what is intended, enacted and experienced, mainly when reflecting the activities of HRM Staff in an information system. And finally we obtained evidence of the co-responsibility zone as an element of negotiation in these projects. For academics, we provide a reference for future research, a possible explanation for the inconsistency in previous research, and a proposal to carry out planning from transparency and trust. Specific factors are offered for practitioners to consider throughout their projects to automate HRM processes and improve their outcomes.