Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION
“Technological optimistic voices want us to believe that, from a technical perspective, the IT
possibilities for HRM are endless: in principal all HR processes can be supported by IT. E-HRM
is the relatively new term for this IT supported HRM, especially through the use of web
technology” (Ruel et al.; 2004). For many functions, HR transformation is currently one of their
critical deliverables. As with all change, there are huge possibilities and exciting opportunities
that lie at the end of the implementation journey. However, the obstacles stand in the way of
effective implementation are considerable, and many HR functions lose their way or find that
they have failed to deliver the outcomes that were initially anticipated. One of the key themes is
that the advances around e-HR provide organisations with great opportunities to rethink the way
HR management is undertaken in organisations and yet technology driven change is often
disconnected from other changes that are needed around capabilities, culture and structure. To
transform HR effectively, change needs to be integrated. There needs to be an investment in e-
HR, absolutely, but technology is not the end in itself. Technology is only a tool, an enabler,
which supports more effective ways of working and of managing the human capital component
of business organisations. Before any technology can be effectively deployed, the fundamental
approaches to people management must be transformed. In most cases, this involves
transforming the way HR management is done in organisations and the repositioning of the HR
function: its ways of working as well as the ways in which the HR function interacts with the
wider organisation and external providers.
Like all professions, Human Resource Management (HRM) has been increasingly
affected by the ongoing emergence of new technologies. For instance, the first introduction of
the “Human Resource Information System” (HRIS) some two decades ago has brought about
greater efficiency and automation for people management. With the great leap forward of web
technologies during the past few years, we have witnessed the birth of Electronic Human
Resource Management (e-HRM) which, as indicated by experts, is a much more powerful
enabler in transforming the role of Human Resource (HR) from an administrator to the more
Technology advancement is one of the powerful driving forces. It has reshaped the way we play,
communicate, live, work and also the way business is conducted. The technology and digital
business communications improvements have changed various organisational activities. The way
that organisations’ perform their task is currently associated to contemporary concepts such as
digital business, e-commerce, customer relationship management, human resource management
etc. Nowadays, digital business services are being considered as pertinent and prominent parts of
the organisation. In other words, the trend of business in service industry is moving towards
knowledge or digital based economy. Computers have simplified the task of analyzing vast
amounts of data and they can be invaluable aids in HR management, from payroll processing to
record retention. With computer hardware, software, and data bases, organisations can keep
records and information better as well as retrieve them with greater ease.
Although the “IT bubble” has burst, the web or internet technologies continue to
fundamentally transform our world, driving globalization to a new horizon. There are now
several major players that offer enterprise-wide technology solutions. This has enabled the HR
function to make its business case for technological investment along side other support
functions, such as finance and procurement. Although there is still likely to be debate in each
organisation concerning the extent to which e-HR will be adopted, there is now sufficient critical
mass to give organisations genuine cost – effective alternatives. Additionally, the core HR
Information System (HRIS) backbone offers in-built “best practices” in HR processes and the
ability to apply solutions globally. HR not only has the opportunity to utilize technology, but
now the means to make a convincing business case for this investment.
New technologies allow training to occur at any time and any place. New technology
includes the use of computers, software, internet, e-mail, telecommunications, CD-ROMs and
DVDs for a wide variety of applications. The internet and the web allow employees to send and
receive information as well as to locate and gather resources, including software, reports, photos
Pursuant to the development in e-commerce and digital business, it is inevitable for HRM
functions to be taken into that sphere. Wright and Dyer (2000) concur that new challenges lie
ahead for human resources (HR) practitioners in the advent of digital business era. Technology is
pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, speech synthesis, wireless communications, and
networked virtual reality. Realistic graphics, dialogue, and sensory cues can now be stored onto
tiny, inexpensive computer chips. These advances have the potential for freeing workers from
going to a specific location to work and from traditional work schedules. But at the same time
technologies may result in employees being on call twenty – four hours a day, seven days a
week. Many companies are taking steps to provide more flexible work schedules to protect
employees’ free time and to more productively use employees’ work time.
The HR function of an organisation is responsible for complying with the HR needs of the
organisation. As with other business functions, strategies, policies and practices have to be
implemented to ensure smooth operation of the organisation and prepare the organisation in such
a way that smooth operation can be guaranteed in the nearby future. Using e-HRM technology is
a way of implementing these HR strategies, policies and practices. The e-HRM technology
supports the HR function to comply with the HR needs of the organisation through web-
technology-based channels. The e-HRM technology provides a portal which enables managers,
employees and HR professionals to view extract or alter information which is necessary for
managing the HR of the organisation. Lawler III (2005) suggests that e-HRM and its self-service
characteristics can be the cheapest and fasted way to provide specific HR activities.
With e-HRM, managers can access relevant information and data, conduct analyses, make
decisions and communicate with others and they can do this without consulting an HR
professional unless they choose to do so. For instance, a manager who wants to make a merit pay
With e-HRM employees control their own personal information. They can update records
when their situations change and make many decisions on their own, consulting HR
professionals only when they deem it necessary. For instance, an employee who wishes to
increase investments in a retirement plan can do so from work or home using the internet.
Employees may also, for instance, participate in a training programme at home after working
hours. Self Service for Managers (MSS) and Employees (ESS) are the key concepts of the
technologies.
For the HR function, e-HRM has the potential to affect both efficiency and effectiveness.
Efficiency can be affected by reducing cycle times for processing paper work, increasing data
accuracy, and reducing HR staff. Effectiveness can be affected by improving the capabilities of
both managers and employees to make better, timelier decisions. E-HRM also provides the HR
function the opportunity to create new avenues for contributing to organisational effectiveness
through such means as knowledge management and the creation of intellectual and social capital.
Human Resources Management is management functions that helps managers’ recruit, select,
train and develop members for an organisation. Obviously Human Resources Management is
concerned with the peoples dimension in organisations. HRM may be defined as programmes,
policies and practices for managing workforce of an organisation by human resources reveal
total skill, knowledge, talents, creative ability and aptitudes of people in the workplace along
with the approaches, beliefs, values and aptitudes of the individuals of an organisation.
HRM: has developed in recent years as a broad encompassing field of study that incorporates
and synthesizes elements from personnel management, organisational behaviour and industrial
and labour relatives, building broader concepts from a variety of cognate disciplines including
economics, law psychology and sociology amongst others (Poole & Warner,2001:xvi). Thus it
has become a pervasive and influential approach to the management of employment in a wide
range of market economies.
E-HRM: Electronic Human Resource Management (e-HRM) provides the information required
to manage HR processes. These may be core employee database and payroll systems but can be
extended to include such systems as e-recruitment, e-learning, performance management and
reward. The system may be web-based, enabling access to be remote or online and at any time.
Although technology allows having digital services for HRM which we refer as virtual
HRM, this type of services are coming with four significant pressures (Lepak & Snell 1998).
They are:
focusing on strategic questions of HRM
flexibility in terms of policy making and practices
efficiency and awareness of cost
service oriented towards management and employees
People mean different things by the term “e-HRM”. It is a web-based solution that takes
advantage of the latest web application technology to deliver an online real-time Human
Resource Management Solution. It is comprehensive but easy to use, feature-rich yet flexible
enough to be tailored to your specific needs. It also refers to the processing and transmission of
digitized information used in HRM, including text, sound, and visual images, from one computer
or electronic device to another. It will be able to meet the demands of today's Human Resource
Management.
Typically, the term e-HR is used to describe technology’s role in enabling the
transformation of solely HR activity. Instead of a centralized personnel team handling everyday
tasks such as approving pay rises, sorting out training and checking holiday entitlements, these
can be handled by the employees themselves or their line manager. Crucially, the adoption of e-
HR seeks to minimize or eliminate intervention from HR staff, allowing managers and
employees to perform HR tasks directly with the self service tools. These can contrast with the
shared service center environment, where the service would normally be expected to be delivered
by a customer service operative or other category of HR staff.
Before starting to define e-HRM, it is also important to identify terms that possibly carry
similar meanings to the term e-HRM, Wright and Dyer (2000). In addition to e-HR and e-HRM
terms are used such as virtual HR(M), HR intranet, web-based HR, computer based human
resource information systems (CHRIS) and HR portals. We are excluding HR information
systems (HRIS), since there is a fundamental difference between HRIS and e-HR in that basically
HRIS are directed towards the HR department itself. Users of these systems are mainly HR staff.
These types of systems aim to improve the processes within the HR department itself, in order to
improve the service towards the business. With e-HR, the target group is not the HR staff but
people outside this department: the employees and management. HRM services are being offered
1.6 DEFINITIONS
Mary Gowan has defined Electronic Human Resource Management System (E-HRM
System) as a web-based solution that takes advantage of the latest web application
technology to deliver an online real-time human resource management solution. It is
comprehensive but easy to use, feature-rich yet flexible enough to be tailored to your
specific needs.
Broderick and Boudreau (1992) defined Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
as the “composite to data basis computer applications and hardware and software that are
used to collect or record, store, manage, deliver, present and manipulate data for human
resources.”
1.7 OBJECTIVES
Resource Management:
Storage of applicants details;
Retrieval and amendment of those details;
Matching CVs to person specifications for short listing purposes;
Link with internet recruiting processes;
Letter writing, acknowledgements, invitations to interview, offers and rejections;
Management reports, analysis of response by media and monitoring recruitment costs;
Evaluating applicants and employees;
Selecting placing, promoting, terminating and transferring employees;
Analyzing and designing jobs.
Performance Management:
Generating forms;
Analyzing and reporting on the result of performance reviews showing the distribution of
people with different degrees of potential or performing at different levels;
Highlighting individuals with particular skills or special promise;
Writing role definitions;
Generating employee opinion surveys online.
Employee Relations:
Promoting employer brand;
Providing high standards of safety and welfare facilities to employees through easy
accessible e-HR solutions;
Frame employment policies online;
Provide a network of internal communication;
Consultation and negotiation facilities for employees.
E-HRM is not a specific stage in the development of HRM, but a choice for an approach to HRM.
Wright and Dyer (2000) distinguish three areas of HRM where organisations can choose to
‘offer’ HR services face-to-face or through an electronic means: transactional HRM, traditional
HRM, and transformational HRM. Lepak and Snell (1998) make a similar distinction, namely
operational HRM, relational HRM and transformational HRM.
The first area, operational HRM, concerns the basic HR activities in the administrative
area. One could think of salary administration (payroll) and personnel data administration. The
second area, relational HRM, concerns more advanced HRM activities. The emphasis here is not
on administering, but on HR tools that support basic business processes such as recruiting and
the selection of new personnel, training, performance management and appraisal, and rewards.
Transformational HRM, the third area concerns HRM activities with a strategic character. Here
we are talking about activities regarding organisational change processes, strategic re-orientation,
The areas mentioned could also be considered as types of HRM that can be observed in
practice. The operational type of HRM provides the choice between asking employees to keep
their own personal data up-to-date through an HR website or to have an administrative force in
place to do this.
For relational HRM there is the choice between supporting recruitment and selection
through a web-based application or using a paper-based approach (through advertisements,
paper-based application forms and letters etc.) Finally, in terms of transformational HRM, it is
possible to create a change-ready workforce through an integrated set of web-based tools that
enables the workforce to develop in line with the company’s strategic choices or to have paper-
based materials. In cases where an organisation consciously and in a focused way chooses to put
in place web technology for HRM purposes, based upon the idea that management and
employees should play an active role in carrying out HR work, we can speak of e- HRM.
The main benefits of e-HRM are an increase of quality and pace, because the existing
administrative processes were slow and inefficient conditional upon mainly paper-based
processes.
Standardization: By standardizing the system used within the group and by providing
employees with direct access to records, particularly leave records, the company can
achieve a significant reduction in employee queries and reduce the need for HR to
undertake data entry of employee records.
Reductions to cost, time and labour: Reduced duplication, reduced time spent fixing
errors, reduced labour costs through ESS, reduced or no hard-copy entry. Not only
manpower can be saved, the processing time can also be shortened. With this e-HRM
reaches the prime objective of cost effectiveness.
Access to ESS training enrolment and self development: e-Training can enable
employees to search for and enroll in training programmes on-line and validating course
availability. This can streamline the training administration process enabling employees
to access computer based training. Cost and pace can be individualized as well.
Cost and ESS: ESS reduced the workload of HR department by more than 50%, for
instance in the traditional method the employee has to type in a formal leave application
get approved from his/her direct boss who will send it to the HR department for further
approval which would consume lot of time to be processed. On the other hand, with e-
leave, the employee needs only to log in and make his/her leave application and his/her
boss will be alerted to approve. Upon approval the leave balance is automatically updated
and this is just one aspect.
Location and timeliness: With ESS, the employee could log in online anywhere and
anytime without being in the office and without the leave card could be sitting at the
boss’ table for a few days, lost or buried.
While the Electronic Human Resource Management described earlier has many benefits, it also
has many problems which need to be addressed to before it can really be useful. Some of them
are described below:
An organisation’s human resources usually represent its largest operating expenditure, usually
between 40 and 60 percent of total operating expenses. However, in service organisation, salaries
and wages may account for up to 85 percent of total operating expenses. Cost alone would make
human resources a very important element of any firm. However, the skills, knowledge, and
attitudes of any organisation’s employees shape that organisation in fundamental ways and
represent its human capital. It is important to remember that people are at once the most basic
and most important component of any organisation. Thus, the management of an organisation’s
human resources is critical to the organisation’s success. Managing human resources today is a
very different task from what it has been in the past because of changes in the environment
within which organisations exist. All managers need information to help them manage the human
resources for which they are responsible. The function of human resource information systems
As companies now realize the importance of this function they are investing resources into
supporting human resource management information systems (HRMIS).
A new generation of HR automation, sometimes going under the umbrella of e-HR wants
to transform HR from a lowly cost centre into a strategic, mission-critical part of the
business.
Human-Capital Management (HCM) is one facet of e-HR that demands senior-level
attention now, with changing workforce.
In an otherwise dismal it market, the total North American market for HR-management
and payroll applications software grew by 5.1% last year.
What makes e-HR a potentially huge leap forward is the way in which the web allows
companies to offer self-service HR applications.
Self-Service applications reduce HR costs by anywhere from 44% to 80%.
Technology is already reshaping the human-resources function, mostly through cost-
cutting.
Using information systems to support HR functions is not a new concept but as the focus
of HRM has evolved, so has the IS systems that support it. Companies realizing the important
strategic nature of HRM, are bolting on HRIS modules to their current enterprise resource
planning (ERP) systems. These are integrated information systems, supporting various business
processes in different functional areas across the organisation and are considered essential
infrastructure by some of the world’s leading companies.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Chapter 2 elaborates on the portrayal of past and present research findings from time to time by
researchers in India and abroad. Literature review examines recent research studies, company
data, or industry reports that act as a basis for the proposed study.
According to Broderick & Boudreau [1992], over the years Human Resource
Systems have been acknowledged as important inputs of corporate decisions making
process. Operational and strategic business objectives are now not being considered in
isolation of HR objectives. Hence, Human Resource Systems are now enterprise-wide
decision support systems. Traditionally, e-HR is considered as automated record keeping
of employees and computerization of their payroll. However, it is now well established
with HR managers with information systems can play a greater role beyond their
administrative role. In fact they are now being able to play even a strategic support role.
Technology not only substitutes manpower, they also substantially contribute to
efficiency, automating representative operations. Dealing with human resource
information manually hardly allows any complexity to human resource professionals to
address monitorial issues of human resource management.
In the view of Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart And Wright [2000] in their view ‘HR
functions can become critical partners in driving success, but to do so requires that HR
changes its focus, its role, and its delivery systems’. Electronic human resource
management (e-HRM) refers to the processing and transmission of digitized information
used in HRM, including text, sound, and visual images, from one computer to another
electronic device. E-HRM has the potential to change all traditional human resource
management functions. Employees do not have to be in the same geographic areas to
work together. Use of the internet lets companies search for talent without geographic
limitations. Recruiting can include online job postings, applications, and candidate
screening from the company’s website or the websites of companies that specialize in
As stated by Mark Doughty and Simon Pugh [2000] today, within the HR
software market there are a myriad of HR systems, payroll, training administration, 360
degree feedback, psychological testing and competency software tools-typically operating
in their own software fiefdoms. Evidence suggests that most organisations fail to
recognize that nearly all HR software on the market today is at the foundation level of e-
HR. “very few organisations have reached the strategic level of e-HR.” This involves the
development and deployment of tasks that allow managers, employees and HR to use the
massive amount of data created and housed within the foundation and service levels of
emerging internet technology.
The human resource management function has changed dramatically over time
evolving. Alfred J Walker [2001] states that if HR technology is to be considered
successful, it must change the work performed by the Human Resources personnel by
dramatically improving their level of service, allowing more time for work of higher
Walker advocates the business process re-engineering the HR function first, then
e-engineering the HR work. He suggests the formation of re-engineering teams of
providers, customers and users to examine the whole range of HR activities including
those which are not being done at present. The end product is a set of processes organized
into broad groupings such as re-sourcing, compensation or training and development.
These processes should then be examined by the re-engineering team and re-designed.
From this redesign comes the picture of a new HR function but Walker argues that the
most effective approach is to introduce new technology to deal with the redesigned
processes.
The Institute for Employment Studies at U.K. [2002] quotes e-HR as “the
application of conventional, web and voice technologies to improve HR administration,
transactions and process performance.” It involves using technology to provide HR
services, such as recording and monitoring systems, automating administrative tasks like
“Changing the existing ways of thinking”: Yeow Chun Fey [2003], states that
changing your employee’s mindset is often one of the main challenges with the
introduction of new processes and systems. Frequently the resistance to change comes
from the fear that the new system will require more effort or responsibility. He recalls
that during an employee briefing session, one employee asked the question:
“So with us entering the application into the new leave system, aren’t we doing
your work?”
To which Yeow responded, “Yes, to some extent you are right, but then under the
manual system, you had to complete your application in hardcopy after which we
effectively duplicated your work with data entry into the system. With the new leave
system, the second data entry step has been removed, which means that HR has more time
to provide more value-added assistance to you in other areas.” Typically there is some
resistance to change but generally most employees welcome and appreciate the
convenience and efficiency of the new technology.
E-appraisal and e-recruitment are two of e-HR’s latest trends, more out of
convenience than pure need: “managing of appraisal forms and resumes are one of the
biggest headaches for HR practitioners and managers. Something like e-leave, on the
other hand is already history”, said Jan Wong [2003], business development manager at
PROSOFT. As a more general trend however, Wong suggests that any e-HR usually reaps
quick benefits, including a paperless and more efficient working day for many HR
professionals: “as organisations become more e-HR savvy, they are beginning to see the
benefits almost immediately.” The reason being, with modern technology, paper has
become extinct. We can put behind us, the nitty-gritties of leave applications, which are
important to most employees’ life but very troublesome to manage. With e-HR in place,
all these little unseen headaches, like unproductive time spent managing paper, merely
disappear.
In the view of Michael Armstrong [2003] “the e-HR provides the information
required to manage HR processes.” These may be core employee database and payroll
systems but can be extended to include such systems as recruitment, e-learning,
performance management and reward. The system may be web-based, enabling access to
be remote or online and at any time. The information provided by the e-HR process can
be communicated across organisations. If posts static data such as information on HR
policies and communications about employer facilities such as learning opportunities and
In the view of Ketlley P, and Reilly P [2003], technology has only recently
developed in a way that enables e-HR to make its mark, especially the introduction of
corporate intranets and web-enabled HRIS. The nature of the development path, however,
varies considerably from organisation to organisation. Before embarking on e-HR,
organisations should review and optimize their business processes. This may be a case of
major process redesign, or a more tactical exercise tackling areas of concern. Following a
process review, a common next step is to introduce a form of self service. This is likely to
involve employee self service, where staff can access their personal record and update it
or add new information. Manager self service is usually a logical development, allowing
the sign-off of various decisions or proposals. Redesigning the HR function will impact
on the roles and skills of HR staff. There will be many areas of up skilling as the move
away from transactional work gathers pace. This will stretch the capability of staff, not
just in terms of technological facility but also in customer and relationship skills.
According to Perrin [2003] the use of e-HR technologies has for some time
helped HR to perform the more administrative responsibilities of the department.
Susan Foster, Paul Hawking and Andrew Stein [2004] describes that the
application of the internet to the Human Resource function (e-HR) combines two
elements: one is the use of electronic media whilst the other is the active participation of
employees in the process. These two elements drive the technology that helps
organisations lower administration costs, improve employee communication and
satisfaction, provide real time access to information while at the same time reducing
processing time. This technology holds out the promise of challenging the past role of HR
as one of payroll processing and manual administrative processes to one where cost
Fletcher contends that for HR to survive in this brave new world it needs to
“possess a technology do not demonstrate the ability to recommend appropriate
technology and control automated HR processes, organisations will use other people for
these tasks. Fletcher instances the creation in some organisations of chief talent officers
on talent acquisition and retention. These, like some replacements for ‘traditional’ HR
Watson Wyatt [2006] states that e-HR refers to the broad access to human
resources data, tools and transactions available directly on the web in most work places
today. It describes the “net effect” of the explosion in web technologies and the dramatic
impact this growth has had on the way employees now receive employment-related
information through integrated self service applications. It also includes the variety of
new technologies available that help connect multiple systems, tools and databases, both
“inside and outside organisations”.
E-HR liberates human resources from its administrative shackles and provides the
foundation for a collegial, flexible work place where employees have easy access to
communication tools. The use of internet and web technology has also liberated
management to re-assume its abdicated role of day-to-day people management without
the endless wait for HR to eventually process requests for information, and/or swift
people management decisions. Hopefully this will lead to the “extinction” of the old type
of HR practitioner who publicly proclaims the need to outsource HR administration
because it is too complex and arduous to handle in-house.
Jeff Sacht [2007] observes that a dramatic change in the employment law arena is
forcing Human Resources (HR) to transform its own operations, and its strategic role in
contributing to the success of business of all size. Today’s business environment along
with the increasing importance of technology requires smart thinking, quick action and
rapid adaptation to constantly changing conditions. The market place increasingly
rewards those who respond to the demand for innovation driven by the web and internet,
technology advances, globalization, skills shortages, and shifting demographics. This new
business landscape means leaving behind old ways of thinking and doing. Technological
change is a key driver for HR transformation, providing the foundation to support HR’s
growing strategic focus. In particular, web and internet technologies have already given
In the view of K. Aswathappa, people management has traveled a long way, from
purely handling industrial disputes; it grew into personnel management which matured
into human resource management. Of late, HRM is transforming itself to human capital
management. What is to be underlined is that technology also travels along with the
management of people in organisations. If HR’s role has been to deliver workforce
support and management based on the needs of the business, the role of technology has
been one of enabler. When HR departments make use of the internet and related
technology is to support their activities, the process becomes e-HRM (where e-stands for
electronic). During the past years, HR processes and procedures have been supported by
everything from complicated file folder systems to automation, going from usage of
multiple systems and data bases to a single version of the whole system. These are the
days of e-HR. HR professional needs to be aware of and knowledgeable enough to adopt
the new technology for the benefit of his or her business.
The debate is not around whether the non-transactional activities can be e-enabled
or not-clearly it can be done, and as technologies such as neuro-networks improve, it will
enable more “human” activities to be done via electronic, internet or mobile technologies.
The debate for HR is whether the human interaction role currently played by HR staff
adds any value to the employee, the organisation or the work environment, which could
not be done by technology. The bottom line is that services such as employee counseling
and legal issues, which are definite outsourcing opportunities for organisations, and are
likely to remain mainly human –intensive activities, are not currently suitable to be e-
enabled. It would be a sad day to see a colleague sending an e-mail request to the
‘performance management computer’ system for a review on a proposed demotion.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter explains the research process that is to be followed during the course of the project
study. Now a methodology has to be developed that enables to make a study on e-HRM.
Therefore, it is necessary to design research instrument that can be used to gather data on the
components of the construction of the theoretical framework. The application of these research
instruments within Cognizant Technology Solution India Private Ltd., (CTS) enabled the findings
of the research study. This study makes an attempt to explore the significance of using e-HRM in
an organisation and possible solution that could create awareness among employees of CTS and
make them realize the magnitude of using e-HRM.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Research is finding out what you don’t already know. Research is to be understood as
original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding using various
methods such as observation, interview, questionnaire or others taking into account the biases,
errors and limitations. Research is an “organized” and “systematic” way of “finding answers to
questions”. Research may be defined as a systematic and a replicable process which identifies
and defines problems, within specified boundaries. Research employs well designed method to
collect the data and analyses the results. It disseminates the findings to contribute to
generalizable knowledge.
Methodology refers to more than a simple set of methods rather it refers to the rationale
and the philosophical assumption that underlie a particular study. Another key usage for
methodology does not refer to research or to the specific analysis techniques. This often refers to
anything and everything that can be encapsulated for a discipline or a series of process, activities
and tasks. Methodology may be defined as “the analysis of the principles of methods, rules and
postulates employed by a discipline”, or “the development of methods to be applied within a
discipline” and “a particular procedure or set of procedures.”
HR research is undertaken to seek answers to a problem faced by the organisation in HRM which
cannot be solved without undertaking research. Therefore in formulating the research the most
important step is to define the problem clearly and specifically. A problem is the gap between the
desired state of affairs and actual state of affairs. Practice based e-HRM started earlier than
academic research into e-HRM. Although the human resource (HR) function was an early
adopter of computing technology, it spent the last decade playing catch-up to other business
functions in terms of integrating information technology (IT) into their processes. During the
nineties, organisations became experienced in using IT for human resource management (HRM).
Although, a little later as within other business functions, IT retailers offered more and more new
solutions for HRM problems. As within other business functions, IT has become an important
tool for supporting the processes of the HR function and the HR function is now closing the gap
in terms of applying new it capabilities to traditional functions. Distributors of the e-HRM
technology promise several advantages an organisation can benefit from when using these
technologies. In practice however, the results mentioned are often not achieved. As the promises
of the vendors of e-HRM technology are not achieved and the investments to be made in e-HRM
all high, scientific research can be of value for identifying the reasons for not achieving these
promises. The Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Ltd., (CTS) is such an organisation
that has made large investments in e-HRM. Sap, Oracle and People Soft enterprise, the e-HRM
solutions of CTS has rendered best services for the company to enter into the age of e-HRM. Two
main approaches for the research into e-HRM can be identified. These approaches are related to
the research fields of Information Technology and Human Resource Management. As different
authors look with different perspectives into e-HRM, it is hard to capture the essence of e-HRM,
whether it is just an IT tool or a new strategy for HRM? The primary proposal of any e-HRM
solution is to diminish costs of HR transactions, condense time value and make resources easily
available for utilization, which almost every e-HRM solution promises to give. Therefore a
research framework is designed in order to determine how far these primary designs of the e-
HRM solutions work at an organisation. How well it has established its significance among the
employees of such an organisation which makes use of the e-HRM technology with the
determination of these facts the researcher can come to a conclusion whether e-HRM technology
After reading the literature on e-HRM, we might face some difficulties in defining the scope of e-
HRM. It is therefore very hard to do research into e-HRM now eliminating all the limitations of
e-HRM we get the scope of the study as “determining the impact of e-HRM from employee
perspective.” It is based on three parameters namely, (a) productivity of employees (b) reducing
overhead cost and (c) reduction in time taken to perform any activity. In these days, time and
money value are given prior importance to achieve any goal when these two factors are used
correctly and appropriately it gives an increased productivity in the organisation.
Primary objective:
The primary objective is to study the impact of e-HRM among the employees of
Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Ltd.,(CTS) and the employees’ perspective
towards the usage of e-HRM technology at CTS.
Secondary objective:
to understand the level of employee relation maintained using the e-HRM technology.
All the employees at Cognizant Technology Solutions who are currently making use of
the e-HRM technology are the possible universe of the study.
A sample is a part of the target population carefully selected to represent that population.
The sampling technique used for this study is “convenience” sampling and 60 samples were
drawn.
3.9 PRE-TESTING
The tool used for data collection in this study is a self structured questionnaire which
consists of 53 questions measured on 5 point scale and other 6 personal data questions. A
questionnaire is a preformulated written set of questions to which the respondents record their
Primary data: is data collected for the first time. It is original and collected for a specific
purpose, or to solve a specific problem. Some of the methods adopted to collect primary data are
face to face interviews, online survey, telephonic interviews and questionnaires. The method
used here is questionnaire method.
Secondary data: are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have
already been passed through statistical processes. Secondary sources could include previous
research reports, newspaper, magazine and journal content, internet review and government and
NGO statistics. The secondary data collected for this study includes text book reviews, journal
reviews, internet reviews and dissertation review.
Data are the facts presented to the researcher from the study’s environment. For the
purpose of the study the investigator used questionnaire method as a tool for data collection. The
investigator circulated 60 numbers of questionnaires to the employees, which was filled and
returned to the investigator.
Statistical analysis means a critical examination of the assembled and grouped data for
studying the characteristics of the object under study and for determining the patterns of
relationships among the variables relating to it. Both quantitative and non-quantitative methods
In today’s global business environment, a company has only one real advantage over its
competition: people. People make Cognizant Technology Solutions what it is. People drive
scales, develop products, represent our company and safeguard values of integrity and respect
from anyone who would stray from them. Cognizant Technology Solutions employs about 43000
employees across the world, which is headquartered in North America.
Clients experience the power of their vertical organisation by the services provided by them
which follows as:
They partner with organisations whose products and services complement our own service
offerings.
SPIRITSOFT
FUEGO
INFOKALL
ASCENTIAL
FILENET
MCI
INFORMATICA
EDS
PEGASYSTEMS
SIEBEL
DOCUMENTUM
MICROSOFT
RETEK
INFORTE
VERIO
OPEN NETWORK
VITRIA
SAP
SYBASE
INGRES
FORCE
NETEZZA
VIGNETTE
OBLIX
INTERWOVEN
SUN
E-HRM may be portrayed as a tool for managing all HR processes using the smooth
progress of electronic devices and information technology (IT), which in turn facilitates rapid
decrease in the work load of people management and also aid to save time and resources.
Difficulties faced by the researcher: The researcher faced some difficulties during the research
time.
Respondents felt irritated to answer long questionnaire.
As the time limit given at Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Ltd., was very
less the work had to be hurried this in turn could have reflected the accuracy of answers
given by the employees.
Limitations of the study: The findings and suggestions may not be applicable to all employees at
various levels in the organisation due to the following reasons:
Findings are based on the assumption that the respondents have revealed the correct
information.
The researcher was not able to adopt random sampling method since it was not possible
to meet employees directly and conduct an interview schedule instead the questionnaires
were circulated and the employees returned back filled in questionnaires to the researcher.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
CHAPTER V FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION.
TABLE 4.1
RESPONDENT’S AGE
1 20 - 30 47 78.33
2 31 - 40 09 15.00
3 41 - 50 04 06.67
TOTAL 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table depicts that 78.33% of the total respondents belong to the age group of
20 – 30 years, where as 15% belong to the age group of 31 – 40 years and only 6.67% belong to
the age group of 41 – 50 years. It is evident that there were no respondents from the age group 51
and above.
RESPONDENT’S GENDER
1 Male 37 61.66
2 Female 23 38.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table describes the distribution of respondent’s gender factor. It is apparent that
61.66% of the total respondents are male and only 38.34% are female.
RESPONDENT’S DEPARTMENT
1 Administration 14 23.33
2 Finance 13 21.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
From table number 3 it is clear that 28.33% of the total respondents are from the
customer support department, while 26.67% belong to the HRD department, 23.33% belong to
the administration department, and only 21.67% belong to the finance department.
1 Diploma 00 00.00
2 Graduate 20 33.33
3 Postgraduate 32 53.33
4 Professional 08 13.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table explains the distribution of the respondents based on their educational
qualification. By and large 53.33% of the respondents hold a post graduate degree, 33.33% are
graduates where as only 13.34% hold a professional degree and it is evident that no respondent
hold a diploma.
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table illustrates the experience of the respondents within the organisation in
years. In particular 53.33% have one to three years of experience, 25% have less than one year
experience, 16.67% have four to five years of experience and only 5% have more than five years
of experience.
SPECIFICATION
2 Agree 34 56.67
4 Disagree 01 01.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 6 denotes the distribution of respondents view for preparing job description
and job specification in reduced time and effort. On the whole 56.67% of the total respondents
have agreed to the statement, while 21.66% have neither agreed nor disagreed to this statement,
where as 20% have strongly agreed to the statement and only 1.67% has disagreed. It is obvious
that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 34 56.67
4 Disagree 03 05.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table analyses the e-recruitment process which operate with the need to match
employee profile. With regard to the table it is clear that 56.67% of the total respondents have
agreed to the statement, though 21.66% have a neutral opinion. However 16.67% have strongly
agreed with the statement and only 5% have disagreed. It is apparent that no respondent have
strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 22 36.67
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
It is clear from the given table that pre-selection, interviewing and other assessment
activities done via e-HR are effective. Relating to the table it is noticeable that 36.67% have
agreed on its effectiveness, but 33.33% have neither agreed nor disagreed, even as 16.67% have
strongly agreed, 11.67% have disagreed and only 1.66% has strongly disagreed to the statement.
40 36.67
33.33
35
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
30
25
16.67
20
15 11.67
10
1.66
5
0
Neither
Strongly Strongly
Agree agree nor Disagree
agree disagree
disagree
Series1 16.67 36.67 33.33 11.67 1.66
2 Agree 21 35.00
4 Disagree 08 13.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The table number 9 shows the efficiency of e-induction meetings and the local induction
requirements determined. In connection with the table it is understandable that 38.33% have a
neutral opinion towards the efficiency level, on the contrary 35% have agreed its efficiency, yet
13.34% have disagreed still 10% have strongly agreed it is efficient and only 3.33% have
strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 41 68.33
4 Disagree 02 03.33
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table depicts that e-recruitment is done in ways consistent with policy. Overall
68.33% have agreed it is consistent, nevertheless 20% have neither agreed nor disagreed, whilst
8.34% have strongly agreed and only 3.33% have disagreed. It is observable that no respondent
have strongly disagreed to the statement.
3.33%
8.34%
0% Strongly agree
20%
Agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly
68.33% disagree
2 Agree 24 40.00
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
45
40
40
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
35
30
30
25
20
15 11.67
10
15 3.33
5
0
OPINION
Strongly agree Agree
Neither agree nor disagree Disagree
Strongly disagree
ADMINISTRATION
2 Agree 29 48.34
4 Disagree 02 03.33
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 12 explains effectiveness of wage and salary administration. With respect
to the table it is apparent that 48.34% have agreed it is effective, in contrast 35% neither agree
nor disagree, on the other hand 11.67% have strongly agreed, while 3.33% have disagreed and
only 1.66% have strongly disagreed.
Strongly Strongly
disagree agree
Disagree
Neither
agree nor
disagree
Agree
2 Agree 29 48.34
4 Disagree 06 10.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table illustrates the distribution of respondents’ opinion on clearly defined pay
structure. On the whole 48.34% have agreed that the pay structure is clearly defined in e-HRM
and 25% have strongly agreed, on the contrary 16.66% gave a neutral opinion, although 10%
have disagreed. It is traceable that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 38 63.34
4 Disagree 01 01.66
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table denotes that certain factors recorded online such as employee reporting,
absence, vacation, sickness etc, affect the payroll system. With regard to the table it is evident
that 63.34% have agreed to the statement, where as 21.66% have strongly agreed though 13.34%
have a neutral idea, 1.66% have disagreed with the statement. It is visible that no respondent
have strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 30 50.00
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 15 analyses the compensation framework that allows employees to calculate their
incentives and commissions online. Relating to the table it is observable that 50% have agreed to
the statement, however 23.33% gave a neutral opinion for which 11.67% strongly agree, equally
another 11.67% disagree to it and 3.33% have strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 27 45.00
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
It is clear from the above table how the assessment of employee performance online helps
to calculate performance related pay. In connection with the table it is visible that 45% agreed,
nevertheless 23.33% neither agreed nor disagreed, still 15% have strongly agreed yet 11.67%
have disagreed and 5% have strongly disagreed with the statement.
2 Agree 37 61.66
4 Disagree 05 08.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table shows how e-HRM participates in realizing organisational values and
culture changes made within the organisation. Overall 61.66% have agreed to it, whilst 15%
gave a neutral opinion on the contrary another 15% have strongly agreed, only 8.34% have
disagreed. It is apparent that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
Strongly disagree 0
8 .3 4
Disagree
15
Neither agree nor disagree
6 1 .6 6
O P IN IO N
Agree
15
Strongly agree
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Neither Strongly
Strongly Disagre
Agree agree disagre
agree e
nor e
Series1 15 61.66 15 8.34 0
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
2 Agree 33 55.00
4 Disagree 05 08.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 18 describes the responsibility of e-HRM for writing role definitions.
Taken as a whole 55% have agreed to the statement, at the same time 23.33% neither agreed nor
disagreed, where 11.67% have strongly agreed, on the other hand 8.34% have disagreed and only
1.66% has strongly disagreed.
TEAMS
2 Agree 26 43.34
4 Disagree 08 13.33
TOTAL 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table depicts the ability of e-HRM to select and build high level performing
teams. With respect to the table it is traceable that 43.34% have agreed, in contrast 30% have
given a neutral opinion,13.33% have disagreed also another 13.33% have strongly agreed to the
statement. It is noticeable that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 25 41.67
4 Disagree 08 13.33
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
From the given table it is clear the long term HR policies applied by e-HRM to improve
organisational performances. In particular 41.67% have agreed, where as 33.33% have neither
agreed nor disagreed, though 13.33% have disagreed only 11.67% have strongly agreed. It is
clear that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
45
41.67
40
35 33.33
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
30
25
20
15 13.33
11.67
10
5
0
0
Neither
Strongly Strongly
Agree agree nor Disagree
agree disagree
disagree
Series1 11.67 41.67 33.33 13.33 0
OPINION
2 Agree 27 45.00
4 Disagree 08 13.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 21 illustrates the ability of e-HRM to identify and nurture individual
talents which helps to raise their performance. On the whole 45% have agreed, however 25%
have a neutral idea, yet 15% have strongly agreed even as 13.34% have disagreed; only 1.66%
strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 33 55.00
4 Disagree 01 01.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table explains how e-learning enables employees to keep their knowledge and
skills up to date. With regard to the table it is obvious that 55% have agreed to the statement, on
the contrary 28.33% have neither agreed nor disagreed, but still 15% strongly agreed and only
1.67% strongly disagreed with the statement. It is understandable that no respondent have
strongly disagreed to the statement.
60
55
NO . OF RE S P ONDE NTS
50
40
30 28.33
20
15
10
1.67 0
0
Strongly Neither Strongly
Agree Disagree
agree agree nor disagree
Series1 15 55 28.33 1.67 0
OPINION
2 Agree 30 50.00
4 Disagree 03 05.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table denotes the efficiency and effectiveness of self service e-learning
opportunities. Relating to the table it is clear that 50% have agreed to the statement, nevertheless
23.33% gave a neutral opinion, whilst 21.67% have strongly agreed and only 5% have disagreed
to it. It is comprehensible that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
METHODS
2 Agree 28 46.66
4 Disagree 04 06.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
2 Agree 27 45.00
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table describes the e-learning strategies to bring effective changes in leadership
development. Overall 45% have agreed, on the other hand 31.66% are neutral viewers. Where
11.67% have disagreed likewise another 11.67% has strongly agreed. It is traceable that no
respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
DEVELOPMENT
2 Agree 30 50.00
4 Disagree 06 10.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
It is clear from the given above table the opportunities provided for employees career
planning and development. Taken as a whole 50% have agreed to the statement, while 30% have
neither agreed nor disagreed,10% have disagreed similarly another 10% have strongly agreed. It
is comprehensible that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
10% 0% 10%
30%
50%
ACTIVITIES
2 Agree 36 60.00
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table explains the system that makes opportunities for employees to participate
in communication and consultation activities. With respect to the table it is clear that 60% have
agreed and 18.33% have strongly agreed, where as 11.67% have disagreed, exactly 8.34% have
given a neutral opinion however 1.66% has strongly disagreed to it.
2 Agree 32 53.33
4 Disagree 04 06.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table illustrates the grievance, disciplinary and poor performance issues
followed by e-HR. Out of the total respondents 53.33% have agreed to the statement though
28.33% neither agreed nor disagreed, yet 11.67% have strongly agreed whilst 6.67% have
disagreed. It is visible that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the statement.
2 Agree 25 41.67
4 Disagree 07 11.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
2 Agree 26 43.33
4 Disagree 09 15.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table shows the opportunities provided for employees to consult and negotiate
using e-HRM technology. By and large 43.33% have agreed in contrast 26.67% are neutral
viewers as well as 15% have disagreed to the statement, but 13.34% have strongly agreed
however 1.66% has strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 36 60.00
4 Disagree 05 08.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table analyses the safety, counseling and welfare support provided to
employees through e-HR. Largely 60% have agreed nevertheless 23.33% have neither agreed nor
disagreed. Exactly 8.34% have disagreed although 6.67% have strongly agreed and on the other
hand 1.66% has strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 37 61.66
4 Disagree 04 06.67
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
It is clear from table number 32 how e-HRM makes attempt to represent company and
promote the employment brand. On the whole 61.66% have agreed, only 21.67% neither agreed
nor disagreed at the same time 8.34% strongly agreed though 6.67% disagreed and only 1.66%
strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 29 48.33
4 Disagree 08 13.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table describes how e-HR allows the workers to participate in the management
decision. With regard to the table it is understandable that 48.33% of the total respondents agreed
while 28.33% neither agreed nor disagreed. Out of which 13.34% have disagreed, 6.67% have
strongly agreed and only 3.33% have strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 32 53.33
4 Disagree 03 05.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table illustrates how clear and understandable is e-HRM to work with. Relating
to the table it is apparent that 53.33% have agreed where as 23.33% gave a neutral view, yet
16.67% strongly agreed, 5% have disagreed and only 1.66% has strongly disagreed.
2 Agree 31 51.67
4 Disagree 06 10.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
Table number 35 explains how e-HR has improved the total quality of HR support to
employees. In connection with the table it is traceable that 51.67% have agreed the quality has
improved. On the contrary 23.33% neither agreed nor disagreed, even as 15% have strongly
agreed, 10% have disagreed to the concept. It is understandable that no respondents have
strongly disagreed.
60
51.67
NO . O F RESPO NDENT S
50
40
30
23.33
20 15
10
10
0
0
Strongly Neither Strongly
Agree Disagree
agree agree nor disagree
Series1 15 51.67 23.33 10 0
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
2 Agree 35 58.34
4 Disagree 02 03.33
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table depicts the efficiency of administration and increased productivity using
e-HR. Taken as a whole 58.34% has agreed that e-HRM has increased efficiency and
productivity. In contrast 25% neither agree nor disagree, but 13.33% strongly agreed to the
statement, however 3.33% disagreed. It is obvious that no respondent have strongly disagreed.
3.33%
Strongly
agree
0% 13.33%
Agree
25%
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
58.34%
Strongly
disagree
2 Agree 38 63.34
4 Disagree 01 01.66
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table analyses the ability of e-HRM to reduce time and overhead costs. With
respect to the table it is evident that 63.34% have agreed its reduction in time and cost. At the
same time 16.67% have neither agreed nor disagreed, as well another 16.67% have strongly
agreed. Still 1.66% have disagreed in addition another 1.66% have strongly disagreed.
70
63.34
60
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
50
40
30
20
16.67 16.67
10
0 1.66 1.66
Strongly Neither Strongly
Agree Disagree
agree agree nor disagree
Series1 16.67 63.34 16.67 1.66 1.66
OPINION
2 Agree 33 55.00
4 Disagree 03 05.00
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
It is clear from table number 38 whether e-HRM allows your company to leverage your
investment in current systems. Overall 55% have agreed even as 23.34% have a neutral idea.
Though 15% strongly agreed to it, 5% disagreed and only 1.66% strongly disagreed to the
statement.
2 Agree 42 70.00
4 Disagree 04 06.66
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The above table denotes the policies formulated for credible, comprehend and user
friendly handling of e-HRM. In particular 70% of total respondents have agreed. On the other
hand 15% have neither agreed nor disagreed. While 8.34% have strongly agreed, only 6.66%
have disagreed to the concept. It is visible that no respondents have strongly disagreed.
MANAGEMENT
2 Agree 37 61.66
4 Disagree 05 08.34
Total 60 100.00
INFERENCE
The given table shows how e-HR works towards forecasting HR needs and reducing the
workload of people management. Out of the total respondents 61.66% have agreed to the
statement, where as 20% are neutral viewers, although 10% strongly agreed, only 8.34% have
disagreed to the statement. It is apparent that no respondent have strongly disagreed to the
statement.
70
61.66
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
60
50
40
30
20
20
10 8.34
10
0
0
1
Strongly agree 10
Agree 61.66
Neither agree nor 20
disagree
Disagree 8.34
Strongly disagree 0
OPINION
This chapter elaborates on the findings of the application of some of the research
instruments developed for the study of e-HRM at Cognizant Technology Solutions India
Private Ltd. It is aimed to give some first insight of the respondents to the questions used
for this research purpose.
High majority (78.33%) of the total number of respondents are youth since they belong to
the age group of 20 - 30 years.
Majority (61.66%) of the respondents are male in the organisation. Above one fourth
(28.33%) of the population belong to the customer support department.
More than half (53.33%) of the respondents have a post graduate degree
More than half (53.33%) of the population have one to three years of experience within
the company.
Almost three fifth (56.67%) of the respondents feel that e-HR technology has reduced the
time and effort in preparing job description and job specification.
Nearly three fifths (56.67%) of the total respondents agree that e-recruitment process
operate with the need to match employee profile.
Above one third (36.67%) of the respondents state that the pre-selection stage,
interviewing and other assessment activities done via e-HR process are effective.
Closely two fifths (38.33%) of the total respondents have a neutral opinion on the
efficiency of e-induction meetings.
High majority (68.33%) of the respondents felt that e-recruitment process, recruit staff in
ways consistent with policy.
Accurately two fifth (40%) of the respondents opinion is that use of e-induction has
increased the efficiency level of the employees.
The transformation of HR has a range of facets which have been posed out in the study at
Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Ltd., expose the main themes of cost, the relative
capabilities of self-service, shared services, outsourcing and crucially, the quality of the people in
HR function. From the study we can understand that most of the human resources functions of
Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Ltd., has been automated and the employees are
quite comfortable using these functions through web based technology. It also shows the amount
of interest people within the company show towards the function and the effort put forth in order
to learn how to perform these functions.
It is also evident that the system followed at Cognizant Technology Solutions India
Private Ltd., is quite effective and user friendly. Thus it is advisable to other organisations also
to use e-HRM technology, as the software solutions promises to give a trouble-less system and
inexpensive technology though in fact the level of this promise is made up only to a certain
extent. But the software solution keeps up the promise to provide a useful, efficient and
increased performance through this e-HRM technology inspite of all barriers it has to face.
Perhaps the ultimate determinant of the success of HR will be its own ability to source and
develop human talent with the capability to share and lead HR into a pre-eminent position within
the business, where its own value is then truly perceived to be creating value through people.
BOOKS REVIEW
Alfred J. Walker, Web-Based Human Resources: The Technologies and Trends That Are
Transforming HR, Published By Tata Mcgraw Hill [2001].
Amstrong G., Differentiation Through People: How Can HR Move Beyond Business
Partner [2005].
Aswathappa K. Human Resource Management, Published By Tata Mcgraw Hill, Fifth
Edition.
Biswajeet Pattanayak, Human Resources Management, Published By Prentice – Hall of
India Private Limited [2005].
Biswanth Ghosh, Human Resource Management Published By Vikas Publishing, [2002].
Garry Dessler, Human Resource Management, Florida International University, [2004].
Gupta A.K, Management Information Systems Published By Sultan Chand and Sons.
Michael Armstrong, A Handbook Of Human Resource Management Practice, [2003].
Martin Reddington, Mark Williamson And Mark Withers, Transforming HR: Creating
Value Through People, Published By Elsevier, [2005].
Patricia A.K.Fletcher, The Brave New World Of E-HR: Human Resources In The Digital
Age, Published By Wiley, [2005].
Prasad L. M, Human Resource Management, Published By Sultan Chand and Sons,
[2003].
Snell A.S., Pedigo P.R. And G.M.Krawiec, Hand Book Of Human Resource
Management, Published By Blackwell Publishers, [1996].
JOURNAL REVIEW
Hempel P.S., Preparing the HR Profession for Technology and Information Work,
Human Resource Management Review, Vol. 43, No. 2/3, Pg 163-167,[2004].
Kane B.J. Crawford And D.Grant, Barriers To Effective HRM, Interational Journal Of
Manpower, Vol.20, No.8, Pg. 494-515, [1999].
Kettley, P. and Reilly, P. e-HR: An Introduction, IES Report 398, [2003]
E-REVIEW
Dear Respondent,
This questionnaire is part of an academic study being carried out in partial fulfillment of an
MSW degree in Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Please take a few minutes
to complete this survey. Your responses will be strictly confidential and data from the survey
will be reported only in the aggregate. Your information will be coded and remain strictly
confidential. Thank you very much for your time and support.
PERSONAL DATA
2. Age:
20 - 30
31 - 40
41 - 50
51 And Above
3. Gender:
Male Female
4. Department:
Administration Finance
5. Educational Qualification:
Diploma Graduate
Postgraduate Professional
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
E-Strongly Disagree
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
S STATEMENTS A B C D E
N
1 The e- HR technology has reduced the time and effort in preparing the
job description and job specification.
2 The e-recruitment process operates with the need to match employee
profile with positions vacant in the organisation.
3 The pre-selection stage, interviewing and other assessment activities
done via e-HR process are effective.
4 The e-recruitment process has implemented recruitment through chat
rooms, fairs, networking etc.
5 The induction meetings held by the e-HR technology are efficient and
also determines local induction requirements.
6 The e-recruitment process, recruit staff in ways consistent with policy.
7 The e-HR technology has clearly defined the automated employment
contract offer.
8 The e-HRM makes initiatives to identify the recruitment need and
arrive at the recruitment decision.
9 The use of e-induction has increased the efficiency level of the
employees.
10 The candidate application maintained and recorded online has made
the applicant tracking system easily accessible.
COMPENSATION AND REWARDS
11 The wage and salary administration has proved effective in the e-HR
technology.
12 The pay cheques reach at time to the employees after implementing e-
HR process.