Influence of human resource information systems and technology on firm performance: a qualitative comparative analysis

Abstract

The application of information systems and technologies is a very important challenge for all areas of the company, causing changes in their work processes. Today, the literature has not reached a consensus on the impact that the digitisation of the human resources area has on the results of the company. Therefore, the Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) has been used in a study with a sample of 42 technology companies from the Valencian Community to identify the conditions that affect the firm performance as an outcome. Two traditional contingent factors (company ownership and the CEO's educational background) are considered, as is the use of information systems and technology for Human Resource Management (HRM). The fsQCA reveals that investment in tools for human resource optimisation and obsolete device replacement positively affect firm performance. Absence of profit growth is linked to a lack of investment in human resource optimisation technology. The distribution of capital amongst different owners, regardless of the technology's current or former availability also hampers firm performance.