A comparative analysis of the impact of information technology on human capital management in parastatals in Zimbabwe: A case study of ZETDC, ZIMRA and TELONE

Abstract

The study explored the impact of information technology on human capital management in parastatals in Zimbabwe using a comparative analysis of the case study of ZETDC, ZIMRA and TelOne. Quantitative research methods were employed and the sample included 12 managers, 60 human capital department staff, 69 information technology department staff and 259 other staff members from ZETDC, ZIMRA and TelOne. The main data collection instrument for this study was the questionnaire. All the three parastatals concur that their organizations have not benefited significantly from HCIS. Moreover, even though ZETDC, ZIMRA and TelOne concur that their organizations have not benefitted significantly from HCIS they still acknowledged that there were some benefits of HCIS to their organisations. The major benefits were enhanced security of data, improved communication and improved decision making, help in achieving company objectives as well as providing a competitive advantage. The major benefit of HCIS at ZETDC was improved decision making whilst at ZIMRA it was improved security of data and at TelOne it was competitive advantage. The key success factors to the implementation and effective use of HCIS were not being practiced at the three parastatals. These were top management support, adequate training, support from human capital department, user involvement participation and good communication. The key success factor lacking at ZIMRA was adequate training for HCIS users, whilst at ZETDC it was user involvement participation and TelOne were mainly concerned with top management support. Furthermore, there were also factors hindering the successful implementation and use of HCIS at the parastatals. These factors were failure to attract and retain HCIS expertise, resistance to change and fear of the unknown, setting unrealistic objectives, lack of senior management commitment, lack of proper implementation strategy, lack of understanding of HCIS among users as well as conflict in priorities between departments. The main challenge at TelOne was the organisation’s failure to attract and retain HCIS expertise whilst at ZETDC it was low key user investment during HCIS implementation and at ZIMRA their main challenge was the lack of understanding of HCIS among users. However, the study established that the successful implementation of HCIS at ZETDC; ZIMRA and TelOne has significant impact to HCM in the organisations. The study recommends that the parastatals implement and practice all the key success factors of HCIS implementation so as to ensure that the implementation and use of HCIS is successful.