Data Cultures in the HR Management of SMEs in NRW

Framing and Classification of the Project

Our project is part of the interdisciplinary research center “Work – Education – Digitalization” (WED) at the FernUniversität in Hagen. The group is dedicated to research the digital revolution in the world of work. Alonside investigations into the triggers, the course of change and the effects of digitalization processes in various areas in the working world, the work focuses on aspects of workplace design as well as skills development and lifelong learning for employees.

The Sociology Project: Research Questions and Aims

SMEs are fundamentally affected by digitalization, however, often do not have access to the financial, HR or knowledge resources of larger companies. With this in mind, our question is: What opportunities and challenges does the digitalization of HR management offer for small and medium-sized enterprises?

The project is particularly interested in identifying (a) the services available to SMEs or tailored them in the field of digital competence management systems, (b) the special requirements that SMEs have on such systems depending on their management and HR structures, (c) the challenges involved in implementing such systems, and (d) the participation, involvement and training requirements that arise from the use of such systems or are a prerequisite for their use.

Research Methods

As part of the project, we have already contacted practitioners and experts from various SMEs and held interviews in which we have gathered initial impressions about which specific digitalization processes are happening in their respective companies. Among other things, the key questions are: Which personal data is being collected? How is it usually handled? Is this data pooled, categorized or otherwise aggregated? Are there any connections between product and personal data? Do digital skill development and HR management systems help with the deployment of staff? Are Internet websites being used for “employer branding” or – including by employees – for recruitment? Are new – digital – leadership structures being created?

Practical Benefits for Participating Companies

In a series of workshops – the first is planned for autumn 2023 – and discussions – including “round table meetings” – involving the participating companies, associations and scientists, the results identified so far are to be transferred into entrepreneurial practice, provide knowledge and the latest state of research, and thus help to develop concepts for digital HR management.

PR Work

+ in the Chair of Sociology (in German)

+ WED on X (formerly Twitter) (in German)

+ Podcasts featuring representatives from the university, participating companies, other scientific organizations, media and PR organizations are currently being planned.