Leveraging HR analytics for data-driven business decisions: a strategic approach for SMMEs
Reginald M. Ndwamai · Mutshidza K. Muenda ORCID ↗ · Khathutshelo Khashane ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2025 · Vol. 7 / Issue 3 · 167-172
Publication metrics
External links open provider records or DOI searches. Provider counts are not combined. Mendeley readership measures saves, not citations.
Dimensions
Live provider badge. If unavailable, use the Dimensions link above.
Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
Observed 22 Oct 2026 01:45 UTC
Observed 22 Oct 2026 01:45 UTC
OpenAlex and Mendeley observations refresh on article visits, at most once per 24 hours. Unavailable data is not zero. Google Scholar opens a DOI search.
Citations received by this article, grouped by the year of the citing work. Crossref and OpenAlex lifetime totals remain separate in Publication metrics.
2017–2026 Annual history last updated:
Citations received
OpenAlex · year of the citing work
Hover over a year or focus the chart and use arrow keys to inspect values.
2017–2026 annual-history window. 2026 is year to date. Unknown years have gaps.
View data & coverage
2026 is incomplete. Within a successfully fetched ten-year window, omitted years mean zero. Years beyond a saved observation’s window remain unknown (—). Older citations are excluded, so this chart’s sum may differ from the OpenAlex lifetime total. The date above belongs to this annual history; an unsuccessful refresh keeps the previous observation.
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary business, Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) must adopt intelligent and strategic approaches to maintain their competitive edge. A significant method for achieving this is using Human Resource (HR) analytics, which enables organisations to make informed decisions based on data insights. By examining workforce patterns, companies can enhance recruitment processes, retain high-performing employees, and increase productivity. Nevertheless, numerous SMMEs face challenges in fully integrating HR analytics due to limited resources, insufficient expertise, and resistance to change, which complicates effective workforce management. This paper investigates how HR analytics can empower SMMEs to make informed, data-driven choices that fortify their operations. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which advocates for sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all individuals. Through a systematic review of existing literature, this study assesses the advantages, obstacles, and best practices associated with implementing HR analytics in smaller enterprises. The results indicate that HR analytics can revolutionise personnel management within SMMEs, facilitating processes from selecting suitable candidates to forecasting employee turnover and enhancing overall workplace productivity. It offers actionable recommendations for SMMEs to adopt HR analytics, including using cost-effective digital tools, fostering a data-centric organisational culture, and investing in employee development.
Keywords: {'name': 'business strategy'}, {'name': 'data-driven decisions'}, {'name': 'human resource analytics'}, {'name': 'human capital'}, {'name': 'small, medium and micro enterprises'}, {'name': 'workforce management'}
Authors & affiliations
Reginald M. Ndwamai
Affiliation not supplied
Mutshidza K. Muenda
Affiliation not supplied
Khathutshelo Khashane
Affiliation not supplied
Deposited references
Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.
DOI: 10.69593/ajaimldsmis.v1i01.124
DOI: 10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24JUL380
DOI: 10.58419/gbs.v9i1.912303
DOI: 10.58419/gbs.v9i1.912303
Kinange, U. M. (2023). HR analytics and digital competency in SMEs: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, 11(2), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.4236/jhrss.2023.112004
Kumbhar, M., & Divekar, K. (2020). A study on HR analytics and quality of work life of employees in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). Journal of Xi'an University of Architecture & Technology, 12(3), 68, 166–170.
DOI: 10.34218/IJM.11.12.2020.007
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102190
DOI: 10.34218/JOM.6.3.2019.007
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100857
DOI: 10.1108/BIJ-04-2022-0272
DOI: 10.1080/13678868.2023.2195986
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2016.05.005
DOI: 10.33564/IJEAST.2019.v04i08.045
DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-12-2024-0179
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.03.054
DOI: 10.1108/MD-01-2023-0080
Thomas, A. (2020). Barriers to digital transformation in small and medium enterprises: The role of human resources and workforce analytics. Journal of Small Business Strategy, 30(1), 21–32. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.jsbs.org/
DOI: 10.21272/sec.4(1).75-81.2020
DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i06.31721