The Reality of Electronic Human Resources Management in Palestinian Authority Institutions.
TL;DR
The findings indicate that E-HRM has evolved beyond the automation of traditional HR functions into a strategic organizational capability that supports digital transformation, organizational performance, governance, workforce planning, employee development, and evidence-based decision-making.
Abstract
Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) has emerged as a strategic component of digital transformation, fundamentally reshaping how organizations manage human capital through information and communication technologies. While considerable progress has been achieved in implementing digital HR practices globally, the body of knowledge concerning E-HRM within Palestinian Authority institutions remains fragmented across different sectors and lacks an integrated analytical synthesis. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive qualitative literature review of the reality of Electronic Human Resource Management in Palestinian Authority institutions by critically synthesizing Palestinian, Arab, and international literature to examine its conceptual foundations, core functions, implementation practices, organizational benefits, implementation challenges, and emerging research directions. The study adopts a qualitative literature review approach based on critical analysis and thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and relevant academic publications in both Arabic and English. The review integrates evidence from multiple contexts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of E-HRM and its application within the Palestinian public sector. The findings indicate that E-HRM has evolved beyond the automation of traditional HR functions into a strategic organizational capability that supports digital transformation, organizational performance, governance, workforce planning, employee development, and evidence-based decision-making. The review further reveals that Palestinian Authority institutions have made measurable progress in adopting electronic HR practices; however, implementation remains uneven due to challenges related to technological infrastructure, organizational readiness, financial resources, cybersecurity, system integration, leadership commitment, and employees' digital competencies. Moreover, the review identifies important conceptual, methodological, and contextual gaps in the existing literature, particularly regarding qualitative investigations, Human Resource Analytics, Artificial Intelligence applications, and comprehensive studies focusing on Palestinian governmental institutions. This study contributes to the literature by providing an integrated analytical framework that consolidates fragmented evidence and advances the understanding of E-HRM within Palestinian Authority institutions. It also offers practical insights and future research directions that may support policymakers and public organizations in strengthening digital human resource management and accelerating administrative modernization.