The Role of HRM in Managing Employee Privacy and Data Security in IoT-Enabled Healthcare Organisations

Abstract

The current study explores the role of human resource management in facilitating privacy protection and data security of employees of IoT-enabled healthcare organisations, whereby constant monitoring and data production has become part of routine work processes. A qualitative research design was chosen and thematic analysis of secondary literature based on peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and sources of reliable information on the industry. The method will allow synthesizing evidence on the governance, ethics, and workforce implications of IoT adoption in healthcare in a systematic manner.  The analysis shows that there are four fundamental themes, which include: HR governance and data ethics, consent and transparency, surveillance and performance control and regulatory compliance. Results indicate that IoT has led to increased efficiency and control, but it also causes ethical threats, lack of trust, and increased vulnerability to data breaches when not regulated effectively. Implications: The research indicates that HRM is a key governance player that has to convert technical protections into ethical policies, consent, training, and compliance procedures that continue to keep employees trusting and the organisation legitimate.  Future studies are needed to examine the perceptions of the IoT monitoring among employees, their longitudinal effects on trust and wellbeing, as well as the efficacy of integrated HR-IT models of governance within a variety of healthcare settings.