Impact of Human Resource Information System Performance for Sustainable Health Sector in South Africa

Abstract

The search for significance in the constantly changing health sector environment has led many organisations/sectors to consider numerous strategies, such as the introduction of information systems in human resource management. Thus, the utilisation of human resource information systems (HRIS) for sustainable healthcare workforce performance to realise substantial study interest without proportionate consideration of how HRIS can impact the healthcare sector for sustainable development growth in South Africa (SA). A mixed-method research design was employed; four public hospitals were selected in the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health and Wellness (WCPDHW) of SA. A pragmatic paradigm with an abductive approach was initiated. Psychometric properties testing was carried out to assess the reliability and validity of the data instrument. The participants were selected purposively from the four hospitals. Forty-six questionnaires and forty-one interviews were collated for the study. It was realised that the lack of effective HRIS does not bode well for healthcare workforce performance management due to reasons such as insufficient computers and information systems, lack of teamwork and staff participation, lack of sophisticated systems, lack of confidentiality of information, continuous use of manual HR processes, lack of government support and commitment. These reasons do not support sectors such as healthcare that should add to the country’s growth and sustainable strategy. The respondents argue that the effectiveness of information systems is sustained if a suitable intervention of how it can be improved to achieve better healthcare performance in the sector is introduced. It was found that the lack of upgrades to the system in use does create negativity among healthcare workers regarding the impact of HRIS on their performance in the healthcare sector. The study recommends sustainable technological structures and the elimination of manual HR processes. It further recommends effective guidelines for effective HRIS utilisation to sustain workforce performance in SA’s health sector. Future research directions are signalled in the study.