What is Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)

Knowledge is the currency of the new economy and consequently information is power. For this reason, it is a business imperative to grow and shape intellectual capital. Human resource management (HRM) plays a pivotal role in creating and growing intellectual capital and embedding it within organizational systems. Previous studies in HRM have demonstrated the connection between technological innovation and HRM in two conspicuously different ways. Specifically, some have illustrated how HR strategies can enhance technological innovation in organizations (Gloet & Terziovski, 2004; Jiménez-Jiménez & Sanz-Valle, 2005) while others have shown ways in which HR functions can be aligned and made more efficient by the effective use of technology (Ashbaugh & Miranda, 2002; Broderick & Boudreau, 1992; Bussler & Davis, 2001/2002). In this article, a more holistic approach is taken in viewing technology as both an input and an outcome of effective HRM. To this end, the aim here is to provide a description of some of the key ways in which HRM can enhance the development, implementation, and success of new technologies as well as how HRM can enhance its own value through the use of new technologies.