Explaining resistance intention towards mobile HRM application: the dark side of technology adoption

Purpose The mobile human resource management application (mHRM app) has recently been seen as an innovative cloud-based solution to manage human resource management (HRM) within organisation. Despite its great potential, organisations have shown resistance towards the usage of the mHRM app. This study investigates the dark side of electronic HRM (eHRM) by examining factors affecting HR professionals' resistance to the mHRM app using status quo bias (SQB) theory. The study also examines the moderating effect of personal innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach Responses were collected from 239 HR professionals using an online survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and PROCESS macro were used to examine the hypotheses. Findings The results indicated that regret avoidance, inertia, switching costs and perceived threat significantly affect HR professionals' resistance towards mHRM app adoption. Results also indicated that high personal innovativeness negatively moderates the association between inhibitors and resistance to adopt the mHRM app. Practical implications The study's findings will help HR professionals reduce their resistance towards mHRM app adoption. Originality/value This study enriches eHRM, mobile applications and the SQB literature.