What about Agency in e-HRM Research?

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter addresses a lack of theory building in electronic-HRM (e-HRM) research and attempts to contribute with a (re-)conceptualisation of e-HRM as a nexus of practices and their material arrangements.

Methodology/approach

The work draws on theories from information systems research, science and technology studies, and sociology and organisation studies.

Findings

The (re-)conceptualisation indicates that future research should make further enquiries into the role of human agency and political processes in e-HRM.

Practical implications

As a methodological pathway a combination of ethnography and philosophical hermeneutics is proposed, enabling the achievement of a required pertinent sensibility in the study of social practices and human intentionality. Action research is also considered to be relevant for an engaged e-HRM scholarship.

Social implications

The social implication of this research is the advancement of theories that emphasise the importance of human agency, morality and materiality in organisational processes.

Originality/value of the chapter

The conceptualisation may thus facilitate research that reveal insights about involvement, reciprocity and power in e-HRM projects – knowledge that can direct the development of e-HRM project teams and thus facilitate strategic HRM.

Citation

Gregeby, J. and Hugosson, M. (2017), "What about Agency in e-HRM Research?", Bondarouk, T., Ruël, H.J.M. and Parry, E. (Ed.) Electronic HRM in the Smart Era (The Changing Context of Managing People), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 261-285. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78714-315-920161010