Effects of information technology on human resource performance at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Abstract

With the changing world and constant new technology that is available, managers need to be aware of the technology that will increase effectiveness in their company. Many companies have seen a need to transform the way Human Resource operations are performed in order to keep up with new technology and increasing numbers of employees. Organizations therefore have noted that effective and proper implementation of Information Technology will help the organization turn around through improved productivity and employee efficiency without adversely affecting the employees’ morale in many ways. The study investigated the effects of Information Technology on Human Resource performance at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya. The objectives of this study were: to determine the effects of Information Technology on the operational efficiency of Human Resource, determine the staff training needs that arise as a result of IT systems implementation and finally to assess the extent to which challenges arising due to implementation of IT systems have had effect on employee performance. The study was based on O’ Brien’s model of Ethical, Societal and Organizational Dimensions. The study adopted a survey research design. The target population was 203 employees. Stratified random sampling techniques was used to sample 136 respondents which included Senior management, middle level officers and Junior officers. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. The data collected was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results presented using tables. The study established that IT was a major catalyst in the running of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. The findings revealed that IT systems have improved efficiency in time and costs. The institution has played a minimal role in training employees on use of IT in performing their daily routine jobs. On the other hand, supervision by the managers through this information technology was not proved fully to be effective. The study recommends that Masinde Muliro Univesity of Science and Technology and other institutions should invest heavily in IT since it is an investment with benefits both to the institution and the employees. It is anticipated that this study will greatly benefit organizational managers with regard to how it will improve employee’s performance and morale. The findings will be helpful to Organizations in prioritizing their information technology options which can help them size down budgets and perform more efficiently. The study recommends further research in Health and safety of staff using IT systems.