China’s civil service adopts e-HRM . . .up to a point

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe how public-sector organizations in the Chinese autonomous region of Guangxi Zhuang are applying e-HRM practices. Design - Concentrates on the operation of e-recruitment, e-training, e-compensation, e-benefits and e-appraisal. Findings - Reports that blended conventional and electronic HRM practices exist and are likely to continue for a little while into the future. Practical implications - Reveals that, where e-HRM is being used, its prime benefit is in reducing the amount of repetitive paperwork that HR specialists have to carry out. Social implications - Explains that there is still a tendency for people to work too hard in the Chinese civil service, partly because it is seen as the decent thing to do and partly for employees to earn a lot of money. But there are signs, too, that increasing numbers of employees are seeking a decent work-life balance. Originality/value - Reveals how e-HRM operates in the context of the Chinese public sector.