Digital Transformation of Human Resource Management in Higher Education: A Structured Literature Review of Emerging Practices, Technologies and Institutional Challenges

Abstract

Digital transformation is reshaping Human Resource Management (HRM) from an administrative function based largely on routine transactions into a technology-enabled and increasingly strategic organizational capability. Higher education institutions are particularly relevant to this transformation because their performance depends heavily on academic and administrative human capital, while their operations are becoming increasingly data-driven, digitally connected and internationally competitive. This paper presents a structured literature review of the transformation of HRM in higher education, with particular attention to digital recruitment, digital onboarding, learning and development, digital performance management, HR analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud-based HR systems and employee engagement. The review is conceptually informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior and Diffusion of Innovation theory. The analysis indicates that digital HRM should not be understood merely as the automation of conventional HR activities. Rather, it represents a broader transformation involving HR processes, employee experiences, decision-making, organizational capabilities and institutional governance. At the same time, digital transformation creates challenges involving technological readiness, digital literacy, resistance to change, privacy, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity and the risk of weakening human interaction. The paper develops an integrated conceptual framework showing how technological infrastructure, organizational readiness and employee acceptance jointly influence digital HRM transformation and institutional outcomes. The review concludes by identifying research gaps concerning higher education, particularly in developing-country and Tier-II contexts, and proposes a future research agenda focused on human-centred digital transformation, responsible AI, digital inclusion, HR analytics and institutional sustainability.