Human Resource Information Systems as Strategic Tool for the Sustainability of the Public Health Sector

Information and communication technologies (ICT) dominate almost all professional domains, including the field of human resources management. Human resources information system (HRIS) is one such technology that can transform the way services are offered within the health sector. The public health sector is recognized as one of the most valued sectors for competitive and economic growth in a country. Understanding the extent to which HRIS can effectively become a strategic tool in the public health sector of South Africa is crucial. On the basis of this, there have been calls for research that pinpoints the necessary elements for the improvement of public health service delivery mandates. The chapter examines how HRIS can effectively become a strategic tool in the public health sector service delivery mandates using a partially integrated mixed-method to collect data. The study found among others that the public health sector of South Africa makes use of an outdated, PERSAL system. Some recommendations for practice and future research are also provided.