Technology, automation, and industrial relations: the future of HRM in Ilala municipal, Tanzania

Maurus Mpunga

doi:10.20525/ijrbs.v14i4.4036

Authors

Maurus Mpunga Tanzania Institute of Accountancy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i4.4036

Keywords:

Automation, Human Resource Management, Job Security, Employee Rights, Collective Bargaining

Abstract

This study investigates the complex impact of automation on Human Resource Management (HRM), focusing on areas such as job security, employee rights and welfare, collective bargaining, policy and regulatory responses, trade unions, and worker skills and training. The research aims to understand how automation influences these aspects and to provide insights for organizations crossing this technological shift. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys distributed to employees across various industries, capturing perceptions and experiences related to automation in HRM. Qualitative insights were obtained from in-depth interviews with HR managers, trade union representatives, and employees, offering a comprehensive understanding of the significant effects of automation. The findings reveal that automation has led to significant changes in job security, with 45.2% of respondents reporting alterations due to automated processes. Additionally, 50.0% of participants noted impacts on employee rights, including work hours, leave, and pay structures. Trade unions have been compelled to adapt their strategies, with 11.0% acknowledging a role in addressing automation-driven challenges. Furthermore, 65.1% of employees reported access to training programs aimed at adapting to automation, though the effectiveness of these programs varied.The study concludes that while automation offers efficiency gains, it also presents challenges related to job security, employee rights, and the evolving role of trade unions. Organizations are encouraged to implement strategic workforce planning, invest in effective training programs, and engage in dialogue with trade unions to alleviate negative impacts.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adhikary, S., & Banerjee, K. (2022). Digitalisation and AI: What Does the Future Hold for Labour Union? Glocalism: Journal of Culture, Politics and Innovation, 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12893/gjcpi.2022.1.5

Bahadure, N. B., Pandey, P., Bhutda, A., Kumbhalkar, R., Nittala, A., Patni, J. C., & Mohiddin, M. K. (2024). Comparative analysis of workforce adaptation and job evolution in the age of automation using machine learning. 2024 International Conference on Emerging Trends in Networks and Computer Communications (ETNCC). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ETNCC63262.2024.10767499

Cappelli, P., & Rogovsky, N. G. (2023). Artificial intelligence in human resource management: A challenge for the human-centred agenda? ILO Working Paper. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54394/OHVV4382

Chapano, M., Mey, M. R., & Werner, A. (2022). Adoption of digital strategies across the human resource value chain. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 20(0), 1992. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v20i0.1992

Choi, J., Dutz, M., & Usman, Z. (2019). The Future of Work in Africa. Washington: World Bank. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1445-7

Chungu, C., & Kalula, E. (2021). Labor law, labor market regulation, and social protection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Emerging trends in comparative perspective. In The Routledge Handbook of African Law (pp. 347-360). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351142366-23

Dasari, K., & Sujatha, K. (2023). A review on the effect of e-HRM practices on MSME productivity. Journal of Advanced Zoology, 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17762/jaz.v44iS-5.1162

De Stefano, V., & Taes, S. (2023). Algorithmic management and collective bargaining. Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 29(1), 21-36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10242589221141055

Debrah, Y. A. (2003). HRM in Tanzania. In Managing Human Resources in Africa (pp. 88-105). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203633762-13

Debrah, Y. A., & Ofori, G. (2006). Human resource development of professionals in an emerging economy: The case of the Tanzanian construction industry. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 17(3), 440-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585190500521425

Doellgast, V., Wagner, I., & O’Brady, S. (2023). Negotiating limits on algorithmic management in digitalised services: Cases from Germany and Norway. Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 29(1), 105-120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10242589221143044

Du, J. (2024). Ethical and legal challenges of AI in human resource management. Journal of Computing and Electronic Information Management, 13(2), 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54097/83j64ub9

Faishal, M., Mathew, S., Neikha, K., Pusa, K., & Zhimomi, T. (2023). The future of work: AI, automation, and the changing dynamics of developed economies. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 18(3), 620-629. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.18.3.1086

Fan, X. (2024). Artificial Intelligence's impact on employment: Challenges, potential consumers, and policy responses through automation and workforce rehabilitating. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 73, 67-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/73/20241040

Faustine, P., & Rachmawati, R. (2024). AI adoption determinants and its impacts on HRM effectiveness within MES in Tanzania. Open Journal of Business and Management, 12(4), 2532-2552. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2024.124131

Fenwick, A., Molnar, G., & Frangos, P. (2024). The critical role of HRM in AI-driven digital transformation: A paradigm shift to enable firms to move from AI implementation to human-centric adoption. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 4(1), 34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00125-4

Horwitz, F. M., & Ronnie, L. (2021). Human Resource Management in the African Context. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190861162.013.14

Islam, M. J. (2024). Leveraging AI for effective human resource management: A comprehensive overview. Available at SSRN 4833377. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4833377

Kim, S., Wang, Y., & Boon, C. (2021). Sixty years of research on technology and human resource management: Looking back and looking forward. Human Resource Management, 60(1), 229-247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22049

Kshetri, N. (2020). Artificial intelligence in human resource management in the Global South.

Maliszewska, M., van der Mensbrugghe, D., Pereira, M. F. S., Osorio Rodarte, I., & Ruta, M. (2020). African continental free trade area: Economic and distributional effects.

Manimalathi, P., Rekha, S., Al-Khalidi, A., Abdulhasan, M. M., Abood, B. S. Z., & Babu, D. S. (2024). A structural design for labor market system which optimizes the disruptions in the process through AI adoption. 2024 4th International Conference on Advance Computing and Innovative Technologies in Engineering (ICACITE). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICACITE60783.2024.10616625

Matimbwa, H., & Masue, O. S. (2019). Usage and challenges of human resources information system in the Tanzanian public organizations. Journal of Human Resource Management, 7(4), 131-137.

Nissim, G., & Simon, T. (2021). The future of labor unions in the age of automation and at the dawn of AI. Technology in Society, 67, 101732. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101732

Ogbologu, O. B. (2024). Charting the path to African prosperity: Unravelling the economic dynamics of the African continental free trade agreement. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, 15(1), 92-102.

Olaniyi, O. O., Ezeugwa, F. A., Okatta, C., Arigbabu, A. S., & Joeaneke, P. (2024). Dynamics of the digital workforce: Assessing the interplay and impact of AI, automation, and employment policies. Automation, and Employment Policies (April 24, 2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4806307

Olurin, J. O., Okonkwo, F., Eleogu, T., James, O. O., Eyo-Udo, N. L., & Daraojimba, R. E. (2024). Strategic HR management in the manufacturing industry: Balancing automation and workforce development. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 10(12), 380-401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2023.1012030

Pérez, J. B., & Falótico, A. J. A. (2019). Various perspectives of labor and human resources challenges and changes due to automation and artificial intelligence. Academicus, 20, 106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7336/academicus.2019.20.08

Potocka-Sionek, N., & Aloisi, A. (2021). ‘Festina Lente’: The ILO and EU agendas on the digital transformation of work. International Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations, 37(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.54648/IJCL2021002

Prasad, B. V., Hamraaia, M. H. Y., Sharma, A., Sahana, B., & Pereira, M. C. S. (2024). The impact of technology on human resource management: Trends and challenges. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(5), 9746-9752. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i5.4635

Rohayati, T. (2024). Integrating human resources management and digital competencies: A strategic approach in higher education. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(2), 1118-1127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i2.5286

Salam, A., & Munawir, M. (2024). Utilization of technology in human resource management optimizing efficiency and productivity in the digital era. International Journal of Management Science and Information Technology, 4(2), 236-245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35870/ijmsit.v4i2.2910

Selelo, S. (2024). Promoting intra-African trade through Agenda 2063 to accelerate continental economic growth for sustainable development. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 17(12), 185-194.

Sharma, A. (2018). Challenges for human resource management in the era of dynamically changing technology: A quantitative investigation. Psychology and Education, 55(1), 478-485.

Shrestha, P. (2021). Technology and human resource management: Some observations. NCC Journal, 6(1), 51-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/nccj.v6i1.57816

Stefa?ski, K., & ?ywolewska, K. (2024). Lack of transparency in algorithmic management of workers and trade unions’ right to information: European and Polish perspectives. Bia?ostockie Studia Prawnicze, 29(2), 53-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15290/bsp.2024.29.02.05

Steiler, I. (2023). Labour institutions and the dynamic production of informality: Collective organisation of hard-to-reach workers in Tanzania. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v14i3.5330

Tenakwah, E. S., & Watson, C. (2024). Embracing the AI/automation age: Preparing your workforce for humans and machines working together. Strategy & Leadership. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-05-2024-0040

Tochukwu, O., & Abraham, A. (2024). AfCFTA and economic integration in Africa: Issues in implementation and development. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(9), 1051-1062. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.809090

Wahdaniah, R. S., Ambalele, E., & Tellu, A. H. (2023). Human resource management transformation in the digital age: Recent trends and implications. International Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences, 1(3), 239-258. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v1i3.902

Wood, G., & Bischoff, C. (2022). Human resource management in Africa: Current research and future directions–evidence from South Africa and across the continent. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 33(3), 444-471. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2019.1711443