Revolutionizing Public Sector Human Resources: A Digital Frontier for Innovative Transformation

Abstract

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 sometimes known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has gathered momentum, and it calls for faster production rates, more flexible scheduling, and better customer services. The advent of automated and digital technologies has already revolutionised many private industries and has the potential of revolutionising public sector human resource management in South Africa. However, the South African public sector has been lagging in digital transformation. The integration of digital advancements in Human Resource Management (HRM) within the South African public sector is imperative considering the need to improve the delivery of public goods and services. The existing Human Resource Management (HRM) processes used in the recruitment of public officials are outdated and prone to biases, which can negatively impact talent acquisition, diversity, inclusion, and employee morale. This chapter aims to delve into specific strategies and approaches necessary for effectively implementing digital transformation initiatives in HRM within the public sector context. The chapter utilised a document analysis and conceptual analysis, where traditional scholarly and peer-reviewed sources on public sector human resource management and digital examination were examined. The analysis of documents pointed to key findings regarding the pivotal role of revolutionising Public Sector HRM through digital skills development which is critical in driving the transformation of the public sector in the 4IR. The findings reflected further the underlying impact of revolutionising public sector HRM which lies in enhancing individual and organizational productivity. Human Resources (HR) emerges as a strategic facilitator in this process, necessitating job redesign and organizational restructuring to foster readiness and innovation. However, there is a notable gap in understanding tailored strategies for the unique challenges faced by the South African public sector. Policy frameworks are identified as critical enablers of ethical and effective digital transformation in HR processes.