Factors influencing electronic human resource management implementation in public organisations in an emerging economy: An empirical study

Purpose Governments in developing countries are riddled with operational inefficiencies. Many have turned to electronic service delivery to address these operational problems. With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the push for digitalisation has only got stronger. We use the technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation diffusion model (IDM) to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of electronic human resource management (e-HRM) in selected public organisations in an emerging economy.Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from key informants composed of human resource (HR) officers, supervisors, line managers and sections of employees in selected public sector organisations. The data were analysed using hierarchical regression techniques.Findings/results The various dimensions of TAM and IDM were found to contribute to the implementation of e-HRM in public organisations significantly. Specifically, perceived simplicity of usage, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, compatibility and facilitating conditions showed significant positive effects on e-HRM implementation intentions. Furthermore, compatibility and perceived ease of use significantly predicted perceived usefulness of e-HRM.Practical implications The influence of the dimensions of TAM and IDM in e-HRM implementation intentions in public institutions in this study dictates that governments in developing nations need to pay attention to both technology features and employee’s technology capabilities to ensure smooth digitalisation of government business.Originality/value The integration of TAM and IDM in assessing e-HRM implementation in a developing nation enriches e-government and HR management literature.