Human capital management information system: scope of application and challenges facing the public sector in Tanzania

Abstract

Rationale of Study – Human Capital Management Information Systems (HCMIS) play a crucial role in facilitating decision-making within Human Resources Management by providing fast, accurate, and comprehensive data. To understand the landscape of HCMIS implementation and challenges within the public sector of Tanzania, this study conducted a systematic review of policies, legislation, and scientific literature.

Methodology – The study assessed the extent of HCMIS utilisation in the Tanzanian public sector and examined associated challenges using the task-technology fit model. To analyse the gathered data, a systematic qualitative synthesis employing nomothetic-based content analysis was used.

Findings – The analysis revealed that HCMIS usage in the public sector primarily focused on payroll management, with additional applications in employee information management, recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, benefits administration, analytics and reporting, and succession planning. The five key challenges hindering HCMIS applications were also identified.

Implications – The study recommends expanding the scope of HCMIS applications, improving interdepartmental coordination, ensuring adequate and consistent budget allocation for the acquisition of HCMIS accessories by Ministries, Departments, and Local Government Authorities (MDAs and LGAs), fostering greater support from top management to enhance HCMIS operations, and revising ICT and HR programme curricula in higher educational institutions to incorporate specialised courses in HCMIS operations.

Originality – This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive examination of HCMIS implementation and challenges within the Tanzanian public sector. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and academia.