Link Between HRIS and HRA

The Complementary Relationship between Human Resources Accounting and Human Resources Information Systems: A Descriptive Study

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February 11, 2021

ABSTRACT

Human resource management has continued to evolve over the years given the rapid technological advancements. Human resource information systems (HRIS) and human resource accounting (HRA) are some of the components of strategic human resource management that have experienced tremendous changes. This study examines the complementary relationship between HRA and HRIS. The study’s findings help to address the existing gap in literature regarding the link between the two. The study utilizes a qualitative descriptive research design in which a sample of 17 participants is included. Data is collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that HRIS applications and tools support HRA activities whereas HRA activities ensure HRIS generates complete and accurate information regarding an organization’s human resource.

Keywords: human resource accounting, human resource information systems, human resource management, complementary relationship.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN RESOURCES ACCOUNTING AND HRIS

Human resource management (HRM) is a term used to refer to tasks and activities that are beneficial in maximizing the performance of employees in an organization. Over the past few years, HRM is increasingly evolving and dynamic as organizational leaders are constantly looking to improve quality, productivity, and effectiveness. New models and ways to promote the value and effectiveness of HRM have been developed and are used by organizations. The evolution of HRM is fueled by rapid technological advancements and increased globalization.[footnoteRef:1] Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) are some of the models that have emerged in HRM. HRM also entails the management of accounting information, which is used extensively in organizational strategic decision making. [1: Bader Aljamaan, “Human Resources Accounting: Concepts, Objectives, Models and Criticism”, Global Journal of Human Resource Management 5(2017):1]

Background of the Study

Rapid technological advancements have contributed to the emergence of new models and ways of human resource management. Human resource professionals are increasingly looking for measures to enhance the effectiveness of their processes and activities. These efforts have contributed to the development of new models for HRM including Human Resources Accounting and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS). The development of these new models and ways of HRM has been influenced by the fact that organizational leaders are increasingly cognizant of the various kinds of technology that could enhance the effectiveness of their organization. Human Resource Accounting and HRIS have become critical components of modern HRM initiatives as they play a critical role in strategic decision-making processes.

HRIS is a term used to refer to integrated systems that are used to collect, store, and analyze information about the human resources of an organization.[footnoteRef:2] The concept of HRIS was first introduced over five decades ago and has evolved beyond its initial purpose of changing paper records into computerized databases. The contemporary HRIS tools can be used by human resource professionals to carry out various activities on a daily basis. Through these tools, organizations implement more complex computerized systems to help ensure their records are accurate and up-to-date. HRIS tools are considered critical in today’s HRM as they help enhance efficiency with regards to HR decision-making. [2: Barkha Gupta, “Human Resource Information System (HRIS): Important Element of Current Scenario’, IOSR Journal of Business and Management 13 (2013):41]

According to Al-Hattami& Kabra, human resource accounting is one of the sub-systems within the accounting information system used in HRM.[footnoteRef:3] Human resource accounting provides all financial and non-financial information regarding human resources. It achieves this by gathering data regarding the organization’s human resources from a variety of sources and examines the data based on certain rules of accounting. The results of this process are then provided to all interest parties in order to promote the realization of desired goals and objectives. Therefore, human resource accounting plays a critical role in understanding the accounting aspect of strategies and activities adopted in human resource management. [3: Hamood Mohammed Abdullah Al-Hattami & Jawahar D. Kabra, “Designing an Information System for Human Resource Accounting in Economic Units”, Commonwealth Journal of Commerce & Management Research5 (2018):65]

Statement of the Problem

While HRIS and human resource accounting have become critical components of HRM, there is limited data on the link between these two concepts. There is limited data on the link between human resource accounting and HRIS despite the role they play in HRM and strategic decision-making in an organization. In addition, there is an erroneous assumption that human resource accounting primarily focuses on accounting or financial information. This assumption negates the role non-financial information plays in human resource accounting processes and systems. The limited data on the two concepts has contributed to a lack of understanding of the role accounting information plays in human resource information systems and human resource management.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the complementary link between human resources accounting and human resource information systems. The study seeks to demonstrate how these two concepts are inter-related and play an important role in human resource management processes.

Research Question

What is the relationship between human resources accounting and human resources information systems?

Significance of the Study

This study is important in the field of human resources management as it provides insights on the link between financial and non-financial information in human resource practices. By exploring the relationship between human resources accounting and HRIS, the study demonstrates how non-financial and financial information are critical in HRM. In this case, HRM practices should incorporate the collection, analysis, and use of financial and non-financial data in a complementary manner. Secondly, the study addressed the existing gap in literature regarding the complementary link between human resources accounting and HRIS. Through this, the study addresses the need for human resource professionals to design accounting information systems as part of HRIS tools for better decision-making in HRM. The integration of accounting information into HRIS would also enhance an organization’s strategic decision-making.

Study Objectives

By addressing the research question, this study seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. To provide insights regarding human resource information systems.

2. To provide insights regarding human resources accounting.

3. To analyze the comparative relationship between human resources accounting and human resource information systems.

4. To clarify the significance of financial/accounting information in human resource information systems.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Human resource accounting and human resource information systems have been the subject of numerous studies in the human resources field in the recent past. Studies have been carried out on these concepts because of the evolving and dynamic nature of HR practices due to rapid technological advancements. Existing literature has examined these concepts from various perspectives to help enhance HR practices and processes.

Human Resources Accounting (HRA)

Existing literature demonstrates that there is no universal definition of the concept of human resources accounting as numerous definitions exist.[footnoteRef:4] Human resources accounting (HRA) is defined as the process of identifying and measuring human resource information and providing the information to relevant stakeholders.[footnoteRef:5] This definition suggests that HRA is a tool that can be used to report an organization’s assets in management accounting and financial accounting. HRA is also defined as the process of gathering, measuring, and providing information regarding human resources to promote an organization’s effective measure.[footnoteRef:6] [4: Payam Mahmoodi, Fatemeh Babaei & Jamal Mohamade, “Human Resource Accounting: From Theory to Practice”, European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences 2 (2013): 2250.] [5: Md. Amirul Islam, Md. Kamruzzaman & Md. Redwanuzzaman, “Human Resource Accounting: Recognition and Disclosure of Accounting Methods & Techniques”, Global Journal of Management and Business Research Accounting and Auditing13, no. 3 (2013):1] [6: Ibid., 4.]

HRA entails accounting for human capital as part of an organization’s assets. When HRA is employed to account for human capital as an organizational asset, the process generates numerical data regarding the value and cost of humans as organizational sources.[footnoteRef:7] As a result, the organization’s management embraces and adopts a human resource perspective in decisions that include humans. [7: Ibid., 3.]

HRA entails accounting for expenditures associated with human resources as assets instead of the conventional accounting.[footnoteRef:8] Traditional accounting differs from human resource accounting since the former treats human-resource-related expenses as expenditures that lessen profit. Since HRA entails a different way of accounting for costs related to human resources, it plays a critical role in enhancing HRM and financial accounting and reporting. It provides a mechanism through which human resources are given emphasis and importance in today’s accounting and HRM framework.[footnoteRef:9] Biswas contends that HRA plays a critical role in HRM as it provides information that the management can use to evaluate its decisions with regard to human resources.[footnoteRef:10] By providing such information, HRA gives investors the opportunity to accurately assess and understand the whole picture of the organization. [8: Maria L. Bullen & Kel-Ann Eyler, “Human Resource Accounting and International Developments: Implications for Measurement of Human Capital”, Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies (2010):1 ] [9: A. Lakshmana Rao, “Human Resource Accounting: A Framework for Better Financial Accounting and Reporting”, IOSR Journal of Business and Management 16, no. 4 (2014): 86] [10: Sujan Kanti Biswas, “Human Resource Accounting: An Effective Analysis & Future Aspect”, International Journal of Research in Commerce & Management 3, no. 5 (2013): 1]

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

HRIS is defined as a systematic procedure of gathering, storing, retrieving, maintaining, and validating data regarding an organization’s human resources.[footnoteRef:11] HRIS tools have become common in modern HRM practices because they provide a means for ensuring the smooth running of an organization’s internal operations. HRIS provides a framework for organizations to achieve incremental leaps in efficiency and response time for human resource work, which are traditionally complex and labor-intensive. Over the past few decades, HRIS is viewed as a function of information systems, which are becoming more important for today’s organizations.[footnoteRef:12] Information systems have become more important for organizations because of the increased awareness of the role technology plays in enhancing operations and competitive advantage. Organizations are increasingly implementing HRIS tools because of the role of information systems in enhancing their operations across all areas including human resources. Therefore, HRIS is essentially an intersection between information technology and human resources through a human resource software solution.[footnoteRef:13] HRIS comprises computer applications, databases, and hardware and software that are essential for the collection, storage, maintenance, manipulation, and delivery of human resources information and function.[footnoteRef:14] [11: Ibid., 2] [12: Halil Buzkan, “The Role of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) in Organizations: A Review of Literature”, Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 5, no 1 (2016): 133] [13: Ibid., 2] [14: Khaled Mahmoud Al-Shawabkeh, “Human Resource Information Systems and their Impact on Human Resource Management Strategies: A Field Study in Jordanian Commercial Banks”, Information and Knowledge Management 5, no. 1 (2015): 42]

According to Johnson, Lukaszweski & Stone, information systems have traditionally had a major impact on the functioning of organizations and their overall effectiveness.[footnoteRef:15] This major impact has in turn provided the adoption of information systems into human resource practices through the development of HRIS. HRIS is viewed as electronic human resource management as it is used to support core functions, decisions, and processes.[footnoteRef:16] Qadir & Agrawal attribute the emergence of HRIS to the re-engineering of conventional HRS processes and applications through information technology.[footnoteRef:17] This journey has involved transforming HRM from the conventional attendance sheet to balance sheet in order to achieve strategic human resource management. As technology is increasingly adopted in HRM practices, many human resource practices and functions have been re-engineered to result in the establishment of HRIS. Additionally, the journey has entailed the transformation of the role of human resource professionals and jobs. HRIS has become critical in today’s HRM practices because of the role of HR professionals as strategic partners with top management.[footnoteRef:18] [15: Richard D. Johnson, Kimberly M. Lukaszewski & Dianna L. Stone, “The Evolution of the Field of Human Resource Information Systems: Co-Evolution of Technology and HR Processes”, Communications of the Association of Information Systems 38, no. 28 (2016): 534] [16: Richard D. Johnson & Hal G. Gueutal, “Transforming HR Through Technology: The Use of e-HR and HRIS in Organizations”, Society for Human Resource Management, 2011, https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/special-reports-and-expert-views/Documents/HR-Technology.pdf] [17: Abdul Qadir & Swati Agrawal, “Human Resource Information System (HRIS): Re-engineering the Traditional Human Resource Management for Leveraging Strategic Human Resource Management”, MIS Review 22, no.1/2 (2017): 41] [18: Nicholas Aston Beadles II, Christopher M. Lowery & Kim Johns, “The Impact of Human Resource Information Systems: An Exploratory Study in the Public Sector”, Communications of the IIMA 5, no. 4 (2005): 39]

HRIS has become an important management information system that improves an organization’s human resource administration functions.[footnoteRef:19] This significance is attributable to HRIS’s role in automating most HR planning functions.[footnoteRef:20] Some of the HR planning functions automated by HRIS include identification of potential employees, maintaining complete employee records, and developing programs for employee talent development. As an important management information system, HRIS helps in coordinating and controlling major functions relating to human resources.[footnoteRef:21] [19: Asha Nagendra & Mohit Deshpande, “Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) in HR Planning and Development in Mid to Large Sized Organizations”, Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences 133 (2014): 61] [20: Kelly O. Weeks, “An Analysis of Human Resource Information Systems Impact on Employees”, Journal of Management Policy and Practice 14, no. 3 (2013): 36.] [21: Yasemin Bal, Sedar Bozkurt & Esin Ertermsir, “The Importance of Using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and a Research on Determining the Success of HRIS”, International School for Social and Business Studies (2012): 54]

Relationship between HRA and HRIS

Qadir & Agrawal suggests that the relationship between HRA and HRIS is evident in the development of HRIS tools.[footnoteRef:22] In this case, the development of HRIS following the adoption of technology in human resources has involved transforming traditional HR functions and practices. This process has included changing the role of HR from conventional attendance sheet to balance sheet. As a result, the change has provided an opportunity for accounting in human resources to be integrated in HRIS. However, there is minimal integration of HRA into today’s HRIS as the two concepts are not considered inter-related. This poor integration is attributable to the challenges facing many organizations in the execution of HRA.[footnoteRef:23] While HRA is viewed as a critical tool for measuring performance, challenges in its execution has contributed to poor integration into HRIS applications.[footnoteRef:24] [22: Ibid., 17.] [23: Jacob Cherian & Sherine Farouq, “A Review of Human Resource Accounting and Organizational Performance”, International Journal of Economics and Finance 5, no. 8 (2018): 74] [24: J.P. Bhosale, “Human Resource Accounting: An Emerging Tool for Measuring Performance”, International Research Journal of Management and Commerce 2, no. 10 (2015): 17]

Marler & Boudreau contend that there is limited evidence on the link between HRA and HRIS.[footnoteRef:25] HRA is viewed as an important component of modern HRM practices because of the evolving role of HR professionals and jobs.[footnoteRef:26] The adoption of technology into human resource practices has provided a framework for the development of HRA tools, which are increasingly used. Existing literature provides evidence on the role HRA plays in improving the efficiency of HR practices. Through providing a different way of accounting costs relating to human resources, HRA has been found to enhance organizational performance. However, there is limited evidence in academic research on the relationship between HRA and HRIS. [25: Janet H. Marler & John W. Boudreau, “An Evidence-based Review of HR Analytics”, The International Journal of Human Resource Management 28, no. 1 (2017): 3] [26: Harendra Kariyawasam, “Relationship between Accounting Information and Human Resource Management Related Strategic Decision Making in Sri Lankan Manufacturing Companies”, IOSR Journal of Business and Management 18, no. 12 (2016): 8]

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The identification of a suitable research methodology is an important step in enhancing the reliability and credibility of a study’s findings. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research are the three research methodologies that are suitable for different studies based on various factors. One of the factors that play an essential role in determining the research methodology is the nature of the issue under investigation. Qualitative approaches are suitable for studies that are exploratory, descriptive and explanatory whereas quantitative approaches are suitable for studies involving cause and effect relationships or testing hypotheses.[footnoteRef:27] Given the nature of the issue under investigation, a qualitative research design was employed. This approach was used because the issue under investigation is exploratory in nature. [27: John W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Inc., 2014), 3]

Research Design

This study employed qualitative descriptive research design, which is an approach that focuses on identifying the nature of specific issues or events under study.[footnoteRef:28] Qualitative descriptive studies involve naturalistic data through which researchers attempt to describe some phenomena, objects, or particular situations under study. In essence, descriptive studies focus on providing an accurate description of a research issue or problem. Qualitative descriptive research design is well suited for this study since the researcher seeks to explore how human resource accounting complements human resource information systems and address the gap in existing literature. Through this research design and approach, the researcher seeks to describe the phenomenon rather than make his own decisions/judgments or make interpretations. [28: Vickie A. Lambert & Clinton E. Lambert, “Qualitative Descriptive Research: An Acceptable Design”, Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research 16, no. 4 (2012): 256]

Sample/Data

To collect data for understanding the relationship between HRA and HRIS, 20 human resource leaders and professionals working in different organizations were requested to participate. The group of 20 participants was identified from the researcher’s professional networks of human resource practitioners. The study sample was identified using convenient sampling. Convenient sampling is a sampling technique in which a study sample is identified from members that are conveniently available to the researcher.[footnoteRef:29] The study participants were selected based on their geographical proximity, availability, and easy accessibility. The researcher ensured that these participants are human resource professionals and leaders with knowledge regarding the study variables. Data was collected from the study participants using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated open-ended questions divided into two categories i.e. demographic information and questions regarding the study variables. [29: Ilker Etikan, Sulaiman Abubakar Musa & Rukayya Sunusi Alkassim, “Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling”, American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics 5, no.1 (2015): 2]

Measures

Demographic data in the structured self-administered questionnaire included age, gender, education, and work experience. Data relating to the study variables included human resource accounting, human resource information systems, and the relationship between HRA and HRIS. The questionnaire was distributed among 20 human resource leaders and professionals of different organizations. Prior to distributing the questionnaires, the purpose of the study and questions were explained to participants. A total of 17 questionnaires were completed and returned within the 1-month data collection period.

Data Analysis

For data analysis, the researcher utilized thematic analysis, which is a qualitative data analysis technique that entails examining data for emerging themes and patterns that are used to answer the research question(s). This data analysis technique is used to identify, analyze, organize, describe, and report themes/patterns in a dataset.[footnoteRef:30] [30: Lorelli S. Nowell, Jill M. Norris, Deborah E. White & Nancy J. Moules, “Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria”, International Journal of Qualitative Methods 16, no. 1 (2017): 2]

Ethical Considerations

Some of the ethical issues in this study include privacy and confidentiality of participant data and use of data. The researcher addressed these considerations by ensuring voluntary participation and limiting the use of data from participants to the research purpose only. In addition, study participants were not required to provide any personal identification information.

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Profile of Study Participants

Personal and demographic information of the study participants such as age, gender, education, and work experience is presented below.

Table 1 – Profile Of Study Participants

Variable

Category

Frequency

Percentage

Gender

Male

Female

Age

25 years and below

26 – 30 years

31 – 35 years

36 – 40 years

Above 41 years

Educational Level

High School Diploma

Diploma

Bachelor

Masters

PhD

Work Experience

1 – 5 years

6 – 10 years

11- 15 years

16 – 20 years

21 years and above

Emerging Themes/Patterns

The study participants indicated that human resource accounting and human resource information systems are critical components of today’s HR practices. They defined human resource accounting as the process of measuring data or costs of human capital. On the other hand, these participants consider HRIS as applications, tools or software used in HR processes and practices to carrying out various HR functions. Study participants contend that HRIS systems have become vital in their work because they automate processes relating to HR planning and functions. The study provided significant insights into the relationship between HRA and HRIS. Data collected from the participants generated the following themes/patterns on this issue.

Theme #1: HRIS supports HRA

One of the emerging themes in the dataset is the idea that human resource information systems support human resource accounting. 88% of the study participants reported that they utilize HRIS tools, applications or software to carry out accounting functions in human resources. Since HRIS tools are used for HR planning and function, these participants stated that HRIS supports HRA by providing necessary tools, processes, and applications for carrying measuring the costs of human capital. They use HRIS to collect, store, retrieve, maintain, and validate data on human capital expenses.

Theme #2: HRA facilitates the generation of complete information on HR

Secondly, the study participants suggested that HRA supports HRIS by facilitating the creation of complete information on an organization’s human resources. 58.8% (10 respondents) reported that modern HR functions and processes incorporate collecting, maintaining, and storing accounting information relating to human resources. HRA provides a framework for ensuring that HRIS incorporates such information and generates a clear picture of an organization’s human resources. The remaining respondents (41.2%) stated that without accounting information, HR information stored in HRIS is not complete.

DISCUSSION

As technology is increasingly adopted in human resources, HR leaders and professionals need to enhance the efficiency of HR planning and function for their organizations. HRIS and HRA have emerged as two critical components for improving the efficiency of an organization’s human resources. These two components are inter-related and share a complementary relationship. The study has shown that HRIS is the foundation with which HRA activities are carried out. Without HRIS tools and applications, it would be difficult for HR leaders and professionals to accurately measure human capital or carry out HRA activities. The study’s findings concur with existing studies on the role of HRIS in HRA activities. According to Bal, Bozkurt & Ertemsir, HRIS provides support for administrative tasks or activities like attendance management and payroll.[footnoteRef:31] The support for administrative tasks becomes the premise upon which HRIS supports HRA activities.[footnoteRef:32] HRIS applications serve as the platform for the development of financial accounting software for improved organizational financial performance.[footnoteRef:33] [31: Ibid., 20.] [32: Zachary Totah, “3 Ways Human Resources Applications Effectively Support and Enhance Your Business”, Select Hub, September 15, 2020, https://www.selecthub.com/hris/the-three-types-of-hr-applications/] [33: Faruk Bhuiyan, Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman & Mohammad Osman Gani, “Impact of Human Resource Information Systems on Firm’s Financial Performance”, International Journal of Business and Management 10, no. 10 (2015):180]