MASTER IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
                           
                           
                        THESIS 
         
         ΤΗΕ ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCES DURING A CRISIS: THE ROLE OF 
             TELEWORKING AND OTHER INFORMATION SYSTEMS 
                 SOFIA AVGITIDOU OF EFTHYMIOS 
         
         
         
        Submitted to University of Macedonia in fulfillment of the requirements 
                  of the Master’s degree in HRM 
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                      January 2021 
         
         
                             
         
                           
                       Abstract 
         
        The present study aims to develop the role of Human Resource Management (ΗRM) 
        during a period of crisis, highlighting the contribution of teleworking-telecommuting as 
        a new working reality. The importance of technology with the use of Human Resource 
        Information Systems (HRIS) is supported as shown by its contribution into the HRM 
        functions and the implementation of advanced HR technology tools. The interpretation 
        of crisis has been examined as the present global situation of the Covid-19 pandemic 
        drives the world of work in unknown paths. In turn, this links to the transformation of 
        organizations to a more technology-based activity. Throughout the literature review, the 
        implications  of  the  pandemic  to  the  workplace  have  been  analyzed  through  the 
        development of HRIS and teleworking in offering an extraordinary working field in the 
        future, while the concept of leadership in crisis period is presented as another solution. 
         
         
         
         
                                       
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        Table of Contents 
        Abstract ............................................................................................................................. ii 
        Table of Figures ................................................................................................................ v 
        Introduction .................................................................................................................... vii 
        1. Human Resource Management ..................................................................................... 1 
         1.1. Defining Human Resource Management (HRM) .................................................. 1 
         1.2. Objectives of HRM ................................................................................................ 2 
         1.3. HRM functions ...................................................................................................... 3 
         1.4. Contribution of HRM ............................................................................................. 5 
        2. Human Resource Information Systems – HRIS ........................................................... 6 
         2.1. Defining Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resource 
         Management Systems (HRMS), e-Human Resource (e-HR) ....................................... 6 
         2.2. The use of HR technology ..................................................................................... 7 
         2.3. The structure of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) ........................ 12 
         2.4. Data Protection .................................................................................................... 14 
         2.5. The contribution of technology ............................................................................ 15 
        3. Teleworking-Telecommuting ..................................................................................... 18 
         3.1. Defining Teleworking .......................................................................................... 18 
         3.2. Teleworking versus Telecommuting ................................................................... 19 
         3.3. Types of Teleworkers: ......................................................................................... 20 
         3.4. New Era of Teleworkers - Cross Boarders Telecommuting ................................ 21 
         3.5. Teleworking-Telecommuting Perceptions and Effects ........................................ 24 
         3.6. Resource-based Approach of Teleworking .......................................................... 27 
         3.7. Teleworking facts in EU ...................................................................................... 29 
        4. Crisis ........................................................................................................................... 33 
         4.1. Definition of Crisis .............................................................................................. 33 
         4.2. Covid-19 Pandemic .............................................................................................. 34 
         4.3. Implications of Covid-19 to the Workplaces ....................................................... 36 
          4.3.1. Emergent Changes for workers: inequality and unemployment .................. 37 
          4.3.2. Health and well- being social distancing and loneliness .............................. 38 
          4.3.3. Emergency Changes in work practices: Work from Home and new work 
          reality ...................................................................................................................... 39 
          4.3.4. Virtual settings: virtual teamwork, management and leadership ................. 41 
         4.4. The role of HR in crisis ........................................................................................ 43 
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         4.5. A new working reality ......................................................................................... 49 
         4.6. Response to the crisis ........................................................................................... 56 
          4.6.1. Teleworking-HRIS ....................................................................................... 56 
          4.6.2. Leadership .................................................................................................... 59 
        5. Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research .......................................... 63 
         5.1. Further Recommendations and Conclusions in the IHRM field .......................... 63 
         5.2. Further Recommendations and Conclusions in the HRM field ........................... 65 
          5.2.1. Crisis Management and Organizational Norms ........................................... 65 
          5.2.2. Information Systems ..................................................................................... 66 
          5.2.3. Teleworking-Work from home ..................................................................... 67 
          5.2.4. Virtual Settings: virtual teamwork, management and leadership ................. 68 
          5.2.5. Emergent Changes for workers (social distancing, loneliness, health, well-
          being) ...................................................................................................................... 70 
          5.2.6. Career Development ..................................................................................... 70 
        References ...................................................................................................................... 73 
         
                                            
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
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