Smart HRM – a Delphi study on the application and consequences of the Internet of Things in Human Resource Management

The Internet of Things (‘IoT’) refers to the ability to connect physical objects (‘things’) to the Internet, and this connection enables things to behave autonomously in a context-adequate manner and thus to become ‘smart’. Based on the broad range of application possibilities, the current paper aims to explore the possible future application and consequences of the IoT in HRM by conducting an explorative Delphi-study with 40 IoT-experts. The results of the study reveal the application of the IoT in HRM to be perceived as a likely development in the near future. The results also uncover various consequences of the IoT in HRM. The expected adoption of the IoT in HRM will first change HR technologies, i.e. the hardware, software and data of HRM. Second, the changes also involve larger modifications of HR activities. However, these activities are affected in different intensities. Third, the application of the IoT is also expected to noticeably change tasks and qualifications of HR actors. In summary, the current study indicates that smart HRM will constitute both a likely and relevant future development that needs deeper consideration.