Examining the Effectiveness of E-HR Systems in Decision Making: A Case Study of Zamtel Lusaka District

This study examines the effectiveness of Electronic Human Resource (E-HR) systems in managerial decision-making within Zamtel’s Lusaka district. Against a backdrop of increasing digital transformation in HR, the research sought to establish the types of E-HR systems in use, assess their effectiveness, and ascertain their relationship with the quality and speed of decisions. The study adopted a case study design, employing a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected through a survey administered to 100 participants. The data was analyzed using statistical techniques and thematic analysis. The findings reveal a widespread adoption of core systems, such as HRIS, but a notable underutilization of advanced analytical tools. The results present a paradox, the systems are largely perceived as easy to use and have significantly enhanced operational decision-making by saving time, reducing errors, and increasing user confidence. Their contribution to strategic decision making is considerably more limited. This gap is attributed to several interconnected challenges, including poor integration between different E-HR modules, frequent technical glitches, and a significant training deficit, with 35% of respondents having received no formal instruction. These factors contribute to concerns over data quality and create barriers to the system’s strategic use. The study concludes that while Zamtel’s E-HR implementation has been successful at an operational level, its full potential as a strategic asset remains unrealized. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on technology adoption in HR by highlighting the critical difference between achieving operational efficiency and enabling strategic insight within a Zambian corporate context. For practice, the study recommends that Zamtel prioritizes system integration, invests in comprehensive training programs, and fosters a data driven culture to bridge the identified gap, thereby transforming its E-HR system from a tool of administrative convenience into a driver of competitive advantage.