From Traditional to Virtual HR

Abstract

This study examines the use of information technology (IT) in human resource management (HRM) and how it affects HRM work. Based on a survey of cities with populations larger than 50,000, it finds that although managers agree that IT is important, relatively few cities use IT in their HRM in any extensive way. Payroll and benefits administration and online recruiting are widely used; however, IT applications in training, job analysis and evaluation, position classification, personnel testing, and background checks are not. The factor that most explains the use of IT in HRM is the technology orientation of HRM managers, and those HRM managers who view IT as a source of competitive advantage are more likely to promote it. The article concludes with implications for careers in HRM.