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Maximizing Human Resource Development in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Digital Era

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Business in Africa in the Era of Digital Technology

Part of the book series: Advances in Theory and Practice of Emerging Markets ((ATPEM))

Abstract

While the domain of information technology and digitalization continue to expand in many directions, the relationship between digitalization and human resource management (HRM) has yet to be fully appreciated. This chapter outlines the significance of maximizing human resource development in sub-Saharan Africa through digitalization. By this, the work surveys employees from public and private organizations in Ghana on the relationship between digitization and HRM. Our results confirm that HR development in SSA business environment can be maximized through digitization. Second, our findings also demonstrate that digitization of HRM enhances personal development of staff and, therefore, maximizes the entire HR development of the organization. The findings also show that digitizing HRM practices in organizations would enhance flexible work systems and improve commitment to the organization. The chapter concludes that digitizing HRM management and development in SSA economic environment have more benefits to the overall development of the human capital required to leapfrog the sub-Saharan African continent into global competitiveness.

Bringing advanced information technologies to sub-Saharan Africa will enable the region to leapfrog over traditional stages of development at a surprisingly low cost. In a world where information and information technology has become the engine of economic growth, failure to be fully “engaged” at the government level in the Internet and emerging e-commerce puts sub-Saharan African businesses at a serious disadvantage.

William K. Darley (2003: 11)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana

    James Baba Abugre

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  1. James Baba Abugre
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Correspondence to James Baba Abugre .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana

    James Baba Abugre

  2. Business School, University of Roehampton, London, UK

    Ellis L.C. Osabutey

  3. Faculty of Business, Athabasca University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Simon P. Sigué

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Abugre, J.B. (2021). Maximizing Human Resource Development in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Digital Era. In: Abugre, J.B., L.C. Osabutey, E., P. Sigué, S. (eds) Business in Africa in the Era of Digital Technology. Advances in Theory and Practice of Emerging Markets. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70538-1_3

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