Moderating role of technology acceptance on the relationship between digital HRM practices and organizational performance: Evidence from organizations in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma cities, Tanzania

Abstract

Digital transformation has altered human resource management (HRM) worldwide, but its performance outcomes in emerging economies are not yet well researched, especially the conditional role of user acceptance. This paper investigates the moderating role of technology acceptance on the relationship between digital HRM practices and organizational performance in Tanzania. The research is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Resource-Based View (RBV). The hypotheses are that digital HRM practices positively influence performance, technology acceptance directly influences the main effect, and acceptance enhances it. The survey was a quantitative cross-sectional study of 304 ICT and HR professionals and managers in all public and private organizations in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.  Findings show that digital HRM practices contribute to organizational performance in a significant and positive manner, technology acceptance has a direct and positive effect, and acceptance moderates the relationship positively. The model is a strong predictive model that explains 58% of the variance in performance. Theoretically, this research takes a step toward the integration of personal acceptance variables and organizational resource perspectives in an African context. In practice, user-focused training, user-friendly interfaces, and change management should be prioritized in organizations to enhance the benefits of digital HRM and achieve long-term competitive advantage. To facilitate the introduction of inclusive and sustainable HRM change across Tanzania, policymakers must implement acceptance-based interventions within national strategies for a digital economy, public sector reforms, and Vision 2050 initiatives.