Making HR Technology Decisions: A Strategic Perspective

The goal of this book is to help HR decision makers recognize where to capture value from HR technology, learn how to demonstrate that value, and make better implementation decisions. The authors include topics such as how HR technology can deliver strategic value; whether to outsource HR processes, HR technology, and project management; training and change management; measuring value through ROI analyses and HR Analytics; and, how to evaluate and manage future HR innovations. Our approach is to introduce theoretical frameworks from management science to guide decision making about HR technology. These theoretical approaches provide a scientific basis and structure to analyze business challenges and improve decision making compared with using intuition alone or relying on vendor best practices. The theories and frameworks come from strategic management, economics, accounting, finance, organizational behavior, and information systems. This breadth helps managers understand the many ways HR technology decisions can increase value.

Janet H. Marler, PhD, is a professor in the School of Business at University at Albany-SUNY. Prior to earning a PhD from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, she held several senior financial executive positions in industry. Her research on the strategic use of HR technology, strategic compensation, and alternative employment arrangements has been published in leading scholarly journals. Dr. Marler and Dr. Fisher co-edited a special section of the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences on e-HRM in 2016 and co-chaired the 5th International e-HRM Conference in NYC in 2014.

Sandra Fisher, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Business at Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. Prior to joining the faculty at Clarkson, she was a human resource management consultant helping client organizations customize and implement HR technology. Dr. Fisher's research examines the implementation and strategic use of e-HRM, design of technology-based training, and the use of contingent work.