INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON ORGANIZATIONAL OUTCOMES AMONG PRIVATE SUGAR MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN WESTERN REGION, KENYA.

Abstract

Kenya's sugar industry, once a cornerstone of the economy, faces a crisis of declining operational performance. This has led to many of the sugar firms to embrace Management Information System (MIS) in operations by extension Human Resource Information System (HRIS). Some of the areas where HRIS has been used include HRIS recruitment and selection practices, employee records management practices, training and development programs and work scheduling. Despite firms in the sugar industry embracing HRIS, the extent to which this has enhanced organizational outcome has not been extensively explored. The general objective of the study was to investigate the influence of Human Resource Information System on Organizational Outcomes among private sugar manufacturing firms in Western region, Kenya. The specific objectives of this study was to: examine the influence of HRIS recruitment and selection practice, employee records management practices, training and development programs, and work scheduling on organizational outcomes among private sugar manufacturing firms in Western region, Kenya. The main theory of the study was Technology acceptance theory, and it will be supported by resource-based view theory, human capital theory and contingency theory. The target population was 97 employees comprising of top-level management employees, middle level management employees and low-level management employees. The study used census approach. The study’s primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires. The research design was cause and effect research design. The researcher carried out a pilot study at Kibos sugar company in Kisumu County to ensure the data collection tool was reliable and valid. Face and content validity for the current research was determined by experts and researcher’s supervisors. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of data. Quantitative data analysis was done using inferential and descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics included percentages, frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis and univariate regression analysis was employed for analysis of inferential data. SPSS software was used in the analysis. Data presentation was done using figures, tables and charts. The study's findings informed policy makers, management and regulators about the role of HRIS in enhancing organizational outcomes in the sugar manufacturing industry. Understanding the potential benefits of HRIS adoption can prompt policy makers to develop supportive regulations and incentives to encourage its implementation across sugar firms.