Critical Analysis of Evidence-Based HR Human Resource Management Policies and Strategies in the Digital Era

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) in the digital era has experienced a profound transformation marked by the intensive application of technology, automation, and data-driven systems in organizational decision-making. This study aims to conduct a critical review of HRM policies and strategies grounded in the Evidence-Based Human Resource Management (EBHR) approach, which prioritizes decisions derived from empirical data, scientific research, and verified evidence. The research applies a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, examining 15 peer-reviewed and high-impact scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025. The findings demonstrate that EBHR enhances recruitment efficiency, performance management accuracy, and employee retention while promoting innovation through the integration of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Key strategic outcomes identified include transformative HR practices, the adoption of High-Performance Work Practices (HPWPs), and evidence-oriented decision-making mechanisms. Nevertheless, several challenges persist, including insufficient data quality, limited analytical literacy among HR professionals, organizational resistance to cultural change, and disparities in digital infrastructure across sectors and countries. This research highlights the urgent need to develop analytical competencies, enforce ethical and secure data governance, and foster an organizational culture that supports evidence-based thinking. Overall, this paper contributes both conceptually and practically by providing a framework for organizations to strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainability in HRM practices, ensuring competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape.