Maximizing e-HRM outcomes: a moderated mediation path

Rapid technological changes have turned electronic-human resource management (e-HRM) into a significant academic and managerial agenda. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that different types of e-HRM goals have on distinct types of e-HRM outcomes and an explanatory mechanism, by incorporating HRM role as a mediator and IT users’ acceptance as a moderator.

HR managers of all organizations that adopt some form of e-HRM systems in Greece were asked to participate in the study. The responses of 80 out of 167 managers were analyzed through various methods, including exploratory factor analysis, cross-tabulations, and bootstrapping.

Evidently, regarding HRM roles and outcomes interaction, administrative experts tend to achieve primary outcomes whereas change strategists achieve transformational outcomes. Moreover, information technology (IT) users’ acceptance moderates the mediating effect of e-HRM goals on e-HRM outcomes.

The limited sample and the cross-sectional design of the study are its key limitations.

The findings can facilitate HR manager’s effort to make the most out of e-HRM systems introduced, by stressing the influence of HR role adopted and IT users’ acceptance. Prior to e-HRM adoption, HR role and workforce must be prepared to fit, respectively, e-HRM goals and the expected outcomes. Additionally, apparently the outcomes to be realized through the adoption of e-HRM system may significantly differ in type, based on the goals set.

Albeit expected e-HRM outcomes are multiple and crucial for organizations nowadays, extant evidence is scarce. The moderated mediation model indicates that e-HRM outcomes to be realized largely depend upon other HRM role and IT users’ acceptance, rather than e-HRM goals initially set.