Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) In Small And Medium‑Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Bibliometric Analysis Of Adoption, Acceptance, And Organizational Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzes bibliometric and qualitative data from Scopus-indexed publications to investigate the development of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This study aims to examine the evolution of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through a bibliometric and qualitative analysis of Scopus-indexed publications.

Theoretical Framework: The observed corpus of HRIS research is primarily based on technology acceptance models (e.g., TAM, UTAUT), strategic and resource-based perspectives, and socio-technical perspectives. These perspectives collectively frame HRIS as both a technological artifact and a strategic capability that influences employee outcomes, HR procedures, and decision-making in SME contexts with limited resources.

Method:. Biblioshiny in R was used to perform performance analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship mapping, and keyword co-occurrence analysis of HRIS-related papers retrieved from the Scopus database between 1988 and 2024. A subset of the curated dataset, focused on SMEs and emerging economies, comprises peer-reviewed articles and conference papers that specifically address HRIS implementation, uptake, and impact.

Results and Discussion: The analysis shows that the number of HRIS publications has increased significantly over the past ten years, that the output has been distributed across a variety of journals and proceedings, and that the field is being driven by a core group of significant authors, institutions, and nations. Thematic clusters center on HRIS adoption, e-HRM, digitalization, and organizational performance, while SME-focused studies highlight issues of resource limitations, owner–manager attitudes, and vendor dependence.

Research Implication: The results make a theoretical contribution by establishing HRIS as an interdisciplinary field of study encompassing information systems, HRM, and SME management, and by outlining ways to integrate HRIS research with theories of work design and employee experience.

Originality / Value:.This study advances knowledge of HRIS as a major facilitator of SME digitalization and provides an evidence-based agenda for future research and practice by offering a thorough mapping of HRIS research and highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges in SME settings.