The Role of Human Resource Information Systems in Enhancing Strategic Planning Effectiveness: Evidence from Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) in enhancing the effectiveness of strategic planning within higher education institutions. The study aims to examine the relationship between the technical, organizational, and human dimensions of HRIS and strategic planning effectiveness. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 academic staff members at the Technical College of Administration, Sulaimani Polytechnic University. A total of 87 valid questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between HRIS and strategic planning effectiveness. The results also indicated that the human dimension had the strongest influence on strategic planning compared with the technical and organizational dimensions. The study concludes that effective implementation of HRIS contributes to improved strategic decision-making and institutional performance. The findings provide valuable implications for university administrators and policymakers seeking to strengthen strategic planning practices through digital human resource management systems. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive effect of HRIS on strategic planning effectiveness (β = 0.58, R² = 0.40, p < 0.05). Despite the increasing importance of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) in supporting organizational effectiveness and strategic management, limited empirical studies have investigated their role in enhancing strategic planning effectiveness within higher education institutions in Iraq. Most previous studies have focused on business organizations and public-sector institutions, while relatively little attention has been given to educational environments. Furthermore, previous research has rarely examined the combined influence of the technical, organizational, and human dimensions of HRIS on strategic planning effectiveness within technical universities. Therefore, this study seeks to address this gap by investigating the impact of HRIS dimensions on strategic planning effectiveness at Sulaimani Polytechnic University.