The impact of digital competencies on human resource management practices

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between digital human resource management (HRM) practices and employees' digital competencies in Serbian organizations, from the perspective of students. Although digitalization has become a central priority in human resource management (HRM), there is still a limited understanding of the effectiveness of digital HRM practices. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 158 students. A survey was conducted among student managers enrolled in programs at the University of Novi Sad and the ITS - Information Technology School in Belgrade. The results indicate that digital HRM practices have a positive, but modest, impact on employees' digital skills. The results highlight the need for organizations to adapt digital HRM strategies to their specific cultural context and not rely solely on technological solutions. This study contributes to the growing body of literature by demonstrating the interaction between technology and the development of employees' digital capabilities, and suggests that a balanced focus on both is necessary for successful digital transformation.