Barriers to Adopting digitalization in Human Resource Management: An Exploratory Study
Abstract/Description
Purpose: Recent advancements in the field of Artifical Intelligence(AI) have transformed the organization workflow and employees’ perceptions related to the adoption of digital and automated work. The main aim of the study is to explore the challenges employees and organizations are facing to adopt and implement digital transformation especially healthcare sector of Karachi Pakistan. Significantly, this study attempts to bridge the research gap by exploring the reasons of unacceptance of digitalization. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, this study examined the individual attitudes toward HR technology.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a qualitative method and was based on an exploratory approach. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. To conduct the research, sixteen (16) employees were interviewed the public sector institute. Grounded theory approach was used for performing thematic analysis considering the steps of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding to explore the challenges faced by employees to adopt digitalization in work.
Findings: In total, ten (10) themes were identified Lack of digital literacy or technical skills, Fear of job displacement due to automation, Resistance to change and preference for traditional methods, Inadequate training and onboarding for new systems, Perceived increase in workload during transition, Poor communication about the purpose and benefits of digitalization, Concerns over data privacy and workplace surveillance, Frequent technical issues or poor user experience, Misalignment with organizational culture and values, Lack of support or encouragement from managers and supervisors.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the problems faced by the organizations to adopt digitalization. However, this study adds to the previous studies related to the challenges of technology adoption in the context of Pakistan by using TAM theory
Research limitations: This study is limited to Karachi for respondents’ interview due to time concerns.
Practical implications: By highlighting the importance of identifying the challenges employees are facing to adopt digitalization managers and policy makers can take better decisions for their employees training and development and to boost their motivation and work engagement.
Social Implications: It promotes awareness among policymakers, organizational leaders, and practitioners about the human impact of current practices and encourages more empathetic and inclusive decision-making.
Keywords
Digitalization in HR, Workplace Surveillance, Lack of Support, Technology, Qualitative Research
Track
Management
Session Number/Theme
Management - Session II
Start Date/Time
13-6-2025 4:10 PM
End Date/Time
13-6-2025 5:30 PM
Location
MCC – 14 AMAN CED Building
Recommended Citation
Gulzar, S., Ansari, J., Ghuari, S., & Ramish, S. (2025). Barriers to Adopting digitalization in Human Resource Management: An Exploratory Study. IBA SBS 4th International Conference 2025. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sbsic/2025/program/41
COinS
Barriers to Adopting digitalization in Human Resource Management: An Exploratory Study
MCC – 14 AMAN CED Building
Purpose: Recent advancements in the field of Artifical Intelligence(AI) have transformed the organization workflow and employees’ perceptions related to the adoption of digital and automated work. The main aim of the study is to explore the challenges employees and organizations are facing to adopt and implement digital transformation especially healthcare sector of Karachi Pakistan. Significantly, this study attempts to bridge the research gap by exploring the reasons of unacceptance of digitalization. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, this study examined the individual attitudes toward HR technology.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a qualitative method and was based on an exploratory approach. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. To conduct the research, sixteen (16) employees were interviewed the public sector institute. Grounded theory approach was used for performing thematic analysis considering the steps of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding to explore the challenges faced by employees to adopt digitalization in work.
Findings: In total, ten (10) themes were identified Lack of digital literacy or technical skills, Fear of job displacement due to automation, Resistance to change and preference for traditional methods, Inadequate training and onboarding for new systems, Perceived increase in workload during transition, Poor communication about the purpose and benefits of digitalization, Concerns over data privacy and workplace surveillance, Frequent technical issues or poor user experience, Misalignment with organizational culture and values, Lack of support or encouragement from managers and supervisors.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the problems faced by the organizations to adopt digitalization. However, this study adds to the previous studies related to the challenges of technology adoption in the context of Pakistan by using TAM theory
Research limitations: This study is limited to Karachi for respondents’ interview due to time concerns.
Practical implications: By highlighting the importance of identifying the challenges employees are facing to adopt digitalization managers and policy makers can take better decisions for their employees training and development and to boost their motivation and work engagement.
Social Implications: It promotes awareness among policymakers, organizational leaders, and practitioners about the human impact of current practices and encourages more empathetic and inclusive decision-making.
