Electronic Human Resources Management in Tanzania’s Local Government Authorities: Examining Applicability, Benefits, Challenges and Performance Implication
Abstract
This study examined the applicability of Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) in public sector organisations in Tanzania, using Mbeya City Council as a case study. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, and primary data were collected from 250 employees selected through simple random sampling. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that E-HRM is moderately to highly applied across major human resource functions, including recruitment and selection, payroll administration, employee records management, and routine HR operations. The results further indicate that E-HRM contributes significantly to organisational efficiency, transparency, accountability, cost reduction, data accuracy, and evidence-based decision-making. Despite these benefits, implementation remains constrained by challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited digital competencies among employees, unreliable internet connectivity, and concerns regarding data security and privacy. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between E-HRM practices and organisational performance indicators, while multiple regression results confirmed that E-HRM benefits and the effective management of implementation challenges are statistically significant predictors of organisational performance. Together, these variables explain a substantial proportion of the variation in organisational performance. The study concludes that E-HRM possesses considerable potential to enhance service delivery and organisational performance within local government authorities in Tanzania, provided that investments in ICT infrastructure, employee capacity development, and institutional leadership commitment are strengthened and sustained.