Digital Payment Systems and Transformation of Human Resource Practices: A Review of E-Remuneration, Talent Retention, and Organisational Performance in the Global South
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.743Keywords:
E-Remuneration, Digital HRM, Emerging Economies, Payroll Digitalization, Talent RetentionAbstract
This review examines how digital payment systems, particularly e-remuneration platforms, are transforming HRM practices in emerging economies. Synthesizing evidence from 100 empirical and conceptual studies across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and selected OECD contexts, the paper explores the role of digital payroll systems in organisational efficiency, employee satisfaction, talent retention, and financial inclusion. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model, Institutional Theory, and the Resource-Based View, the study shows that e-remuneration improves payment transparency, reduces payroll fraud, and enhances timeliness, particularly in financial services, education, manufacturing, and microenterprise sectors. Adoption, however, is hindered by infrastructure gaps, technical illiteracy, and cultural barriers. Key gaps remain around underserved groups (gig workers, rural women), limited longitudinal evidence, and poor interoperability with broader e-HRM systems. The review offers strategic insights for HR professionals and policymakers and contributes notably to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
References
Accion Venture Lab. (2025). PaidHR: Scaling payroll automation for African SMEs. Accion Venture Lab Portfolio Report. https://venturelab.accion.org
Abdeldayem, M. M., Aldulaimi, S. H., & Al-Kaabi, H. (2024). Exploring essential features for developing a human resource management mobile application: Insights from the middle east. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 16, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790241275306
Abdulsalam, H., Emran, A., & Elhony, F. M. (2023). The Implications of Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Human Resource Management Strategies. East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 1765–1772. https://doi.org/10.55927/EAJMR.V2I4.3773
Abugu, J. O., Chukwu, A. M., Onyeso, O. K., Alumona, C. J., Adandom, I. I., Chukwu, O. A. D., & Awosoga, O. A. (2023). Determinants of the managerial staff’s disposition towards e-payment platforms in public tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12913-023-10302-3/FIGURES/2
Agarwal, S., Malik, P., & Gautam, S. (2024). Customer experience and loyalty analysis with PLS-SEM digital payment loyalty model. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, 15(12), 5469–5483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13198-024-02500-x
Ajayi, C., Ojo, A., & Aisha, M. B. (2022). E-human resources management and performance of deposit money banks in Gombe State. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 11(3), 76–88. http://arcnjournals.org
Albastaki, T., Hamdan, A., Albastaki, Y., & Bakir, A. (2024). Factors affecting e-payment acceptance by customers: An empirical study in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Competitiveness Review, 34(1), 107–124. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-09-2022-0133
Alkshali, A. I. (2024). The impact of electronic human resource management on organizational performance at Jordanian Islamic banks. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 28(S6), 1–18.https://www.abacademies.org/articles/the-impact-of-electronic-human-resource-management-on-organizational-performance-at-jordanian-islamic-banks.pdf
Appiah, T., Assefuah, B., Agblewornu, V. V., Forson, N. M. A., & Donkoh, G. (2025). Adoption of electronic payment platforms by fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses in Ghana: PLS-SEM and FSQCA approaches. SN Business & Economics, 5(53), 52-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43546-025-00820-z
Awale, A. A., & Kulmie, D. A. (2024). Assessing fintech awareness and knowledge among students at selected universities in Somalia. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 14(6), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.17134
Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2007). The job demands-resources model: State of the art. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 22(3), 309–328. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940710733115
Bashir, U., Ahmed, R. T., & Shah, M. A. (2024). Exploring the role of digital human resource practices in organizational performance to ensure efficiency. Bulletin of Business and Economics, 13(2), 226–231. https://doi.org/10.61506/01.00319
Boateng, R., & Sarpong, M. Y. P. (2019). A literature review of mobile payments in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Y. Dwivedi, E. Ayaburi, R. Boateng, & J. Effah (Eds.), ICT unbounded: Social impact of bright ICT adoption (pp. 128–146). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20671-0_9
Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA). (2020). Digitizing wage payments in Bangladesh’s garment production sector. https://www.betterthancash.org/explore-resources/digitizing-wage-payments-in-bangladeshs-garment-production-sector
Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and human resource management (4th ed.). Palgrave Macmillan. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137407637
Chatterjee, P. (2023). The rise of mobile payment systems: How information technology shapes the fintech ecosystem. International Journal of Engineering and Computer Science, 12(8), 25801–25814. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijecs/v12i08.4712
Cropanzano, R., & Mitchell, M. S. (2005). Social exchange theory: An interdisciplinary review. Journal of Management, 31(6), 874–900. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206305279602
da Silva, L. B. P., Soltovski, R., Pontes, J., Treinta, F. T., Leitão, P., Mosconi, E., de Resende, L. M. M., & Yoshino, R. T. (2022). Human resources management 4.0: Literature review and trends. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 168, 108111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2022.108111
Dewi, V. I., Effendi, N., Ervani, E., & Sapulette, M. S. (2025). Do financial knowledge and e-payment awareness affect saving and spending behavior? The mediating role of financial risk tolerance. Gadjah Mada International Journal of Business, 27(2), 149–173. https://doi.org/10.22146/gamaijb.v27i2.21214
Dinh, D. Van. (2024). Digital economy and the electronic payment behavior: An empirical analysis. Transnational Corporations Review, 16(4), 200078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tncr.2024.200078
Feldiko, F., Zulkarnain, A., Furwanti, A., & Wijayanto, G. (2024). Analysis of millennial consumer behavior in coffeeshop at Riau Province. Quality – Access to Success, 25(202), 149–159. https://doi.org/10.47750/QAS/25.202.16
Global Findex Database (GFD). (2021). The impact of mobile money in Sub-Saharan Africa: Data from the Global Findex 2021. World Bank Group. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/63acca3e345e3896403d42c63b886a48-0050062024/original/SSA-Mobile-Money-Note.pdf
GSMA. (2021). Mobile money metrics. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://www.gsma.com/mobile-money-metrics
GSMA. (2023). State of the mobile money industry in Sub-Saharan Africa 2023. https://www.gsma.com/sotir/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GSMA-SOTIR-2023.pdf
Hamidianpour, F., Esmaeilpour, M., & Firoozi, H. (2016). Assessing the impact of electronic human resource management on creation of organizational agility: A study in the Bushehr banks, Iran. Asian Social Science, 12(7), 105–118. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v12n7p105
Hamukuaya, N. H. (2021). The development of cryptocurrencies as a payment method in South Africa. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 24, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2021/v24i0a9364
Haritha, P. H. (2023). Mobile payment service adoption: Understanding customers for an application of emerging financial technology. Information and Computer Security, 31(2), 145–171. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICS-04-2022-005
Irimia-Diéguez, A., Liébana-Cabanillas, F., Blanco-Oliver, A., & Lara-Rubio, J. (2025). What drives consumers to use P2P payment systems? An analytical approach based on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model. European Journal of Management and Business Economics, 34(2), 149–173. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJMBE-12-2022-0374
Jack, W., & Suri, T. (2014). Risk sharing and transaction costs: Evidence from Kenya’s mobile money revolution. American Economic Review, 104(1), 183–223. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.1.183
Joe-Akunne, C. O., Ezeanya, I. D., & Bello, A. O. (2024). Workplace flexibility and e-payment acceptance as predictors of engagement behaviour among employees of online financial institution in Anambra State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Social Psychology, 7(1), 1–15. https://nigerianjsp.org
Kumar, A., & M. M. M. T. (2021). The digital payments ecosystem in India: Recent developments and the road ahead. RBI Bulletin, 75(9), 22–35. https://www.rbi.org.in
Kumar, N. (2025, March 8). Digital payments in the Middle East: A gateway for global expansion and how to start your business. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-payments-middle-east-gateway-global-expansion-narendra-kumar-oeryc
Kurniawan, A. F., Wenas, J. N., Michael, & Atmojo, R. N. P. (2023). Factors influencing the intention to use electronic payment among Generation Z in Jabodetabek. In S. C. Mukhopadhyay et al. (Eds.), Innovative technologies in intelligent systems and industrial applications (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, Vol. 1029). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29078-7_4
Kwabena, G.-Y., Mei, Q., Ghumro, T. H., Li, W., & Erusalkina, D. (2021). Effects of a technological-organizational-environmental factor on the adoption of the mobile payment system. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 8(2), 329–338. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2021.vol8.no2.0329
Latif, K. A., Nik Mahmood, N. H., & Mohd Ali, N. R. (2020). Exploring sustainable human resource management change in the context of digital banking. Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques, 8(2), 779–786. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/334606668.pdf
Linh, T. T. (2025). Adoption of digital payment methods in Vietnam: Key determinants and distribution analysis. Journal of Distribution Science, 23(2), 39–49. https://doi.org/10.15722/jds.23.02.202502.39
Mahat, D. (2024). Digital payment systems and employee productivity in banking sector of Kathmandu Valley: The role of techno-complexity and techno-competence. International Journal of Contemporary Business Research, 3(2), 258–278. https://doi.org/10.4038/ijcbr.v3i2.24
Mahesh, A., & Bhat, G. (2021). Digital payment service in India: A case study of unified payment interface. International Journal of Case Studies in Business, IT, and Education, 5(1), 256–265. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5091207
Menezes, D. B. S., Gumashivili, M., & Kanokon, K. (2025). The role of talent management in enhancing employee retention: Mediating the influence of psychological empowerment. Sustainability, 17(7), 3277. https://doi.org/10.3390/su170732
Nematollahi, H., Mohammadi, H., Gholipour, A., & Mohammad Esmaeili, N. (2024). Impact of digital human resource management practices and digital transformation on human resource management system strength: Evidence from insurance industry. Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, 17(4), 1077–1096. https://doi.org/10.22059/ijms.2024.369569.676449
Nguyen, T. D., & To, L. D. (2024). E-payment adoption: Evidence about point of sale in Vietnam. International Journal of E-Business Research, 20(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJEBR.36159
Nwosu, K. C., & Ike-Elechi, O. (2023). Factors influencing continuous intention to use mobile payment platforms in southeast, Nigeria. European Journal of Business and Innovation Research, 11(8), 43–75. https://doi.org/10.37745/ejbir.2013/vol11n84375
OECD. (2021). Financing SMEs and entrepreneurs. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/serials/financing-smes-and-entrepreneurs_g1g274f7.html
Ogbari, M., John, N. E., Tunmise, A., Amaihian, A., & Arasomwan, J. (2024). Impact of digital payment system on SMEs productivity: A study on small businesses in Lagos, Nigeria. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202412.2460.v1
Omol, E. J. (2024). Organizational digital transformation: From evolution to future trends. Digital Transformation and Society, 3(3), 240–256. https://doi.org/10.1108/DTS-08-2023-0061
Onafadeji, A. O., Ogunyemi, F. F., & Alarape, B. A. (2017). Human resource management and employee performance in Federal University of Technology Akure. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 19(4), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.9790/487X-19040295104
Onyema, E. M., Princewell, C. I., Faluyi, S. G., & Edeh, C. D. (2019). Impact of mobile phone technology on job performance of human resource managers in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Innovation, 3(6), 387–391. https://doi.org/10.36037/IJREI.2019.360
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n7
Pea-Assounga, J. B. B., & Bindel Sibassaha, J. L. (2024). Impact of technological change, employee competency, and law compliance on digital human resource practices: Evidence from Congo Telecom. Sustainable Futures, 7, 100195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100195
Ponsree, K., & Naruetharadhol, P. (2025). Unveiling the determinants of alternative payment adoption: Exploring the factors shaping Generation Z’s intentions in Thailand. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 21, 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-024-01057-2
Prince, A. I., Samuel, U. E., Jack, A. E., & Kanu, C. (2019). Current and potential users adoption of mobile payment technology in Nigeria. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(4), 4983–4991. https://www.ijrte.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v8i4/D7891118419.pdf
Reza, M. D. S. binti M., Tan, S. H., Chong, L. L., & Ong, H. B. (2024). Continuance usage intention of e-wallets: Insights from merchants. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 4(2), 100254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2024.100254
Shahi, A., Gupta, S. Sen, & Bhardwaj, M. (2024). Digital HRM Practices: Exploring Influence on Employee Job Performance through Job Satisfaction in Gen Z Employees. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/SSRN.5089128
Singha Chaveesuk, Bilal Khalid and Wornchanok Chaiyasoonthorn (2021). Digital payment system innovations: A marketing perspective on intention and actual use in the retail sector. Innovative Marketing, 17(3), 109-123. doi:10.21511/im.17(3).2021.09
Srinivasan, R., Singh, S., Diatha, K. S., & London, J. (2025). Cash and cashless payment systems usage among consumers: Did India’s demonetization bridge the digital divide? Industrial Management & Data Systems, 125(9), 2616–2641. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-10-2024-1013
Trianto, B., Nik Azman, N. H., & Masrizal, M. (2025). E-payment adoption and utilization among micro-entrepreneurs: A comparative analysis between Indonesia and Malaysia. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, 16(2), 314–343. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-12-2022-0207
Trivedi, S. K., Patra, P., Srivastava, P. R., Kumar, A., & Ye, F. (2024). Exploring factors affecting users’ behavioral intention to adopt digital technologies: The mediating effect of social influence. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 71, 13814–13826. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2022.3182361
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). (2022, May 12). UNCDF in Bangladesh to help create financial and digital literacy solutions for 135,000 garment workers. https://www.uncdf.org/article/7684/financial-digital-solutions-garment-workers-bangladesh
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540
Wang, L., Zhou, Y., & Zheng, G. (2022). Linking digital HRM practices with HRM effectiveness: The moderate role of HRM capability maturity from the adaptive structuration perspective. Sustainability, 14(2), 1003. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14021003
World Bank. (2022). Fintech and Financial Inclusion: Opportunities and Challenges in Emerging Markets. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications.
Zarina, Z., Haider, A., & Suhail, A. (2025). Digital transformation in human resource management: A case study of Haier Group and its strategic implications for businesses. International Journal of Current Science Research and Review, 8(4).1612-1631 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15166106
Zhang, Y., Iqbal, S., Tian, H., & Akhtar, S. (2024). Digitizing success: Leveraging digital human resource practices for transformative productivity in Chinese SMEs. Heliyon, 10(17), e36853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36853
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Adeniyi Odunayo Onafadeji, Lisebo Ntiso (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
