The Mediating Role of Technology Adoption Readiness on Computer-Based Human Resources Systems Usage among Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Harare

Rampant digital transformation has ignited an inevitable new reality for Small and Medium Enterprises, and insufficient capacity, technological adoption readiness, and the underutilisation of Computer-Based Human Resources Systems have led to a high rate of business failure or closure in their first five years of operation. This study investigated the impact of Computer-Based Human Resources Systems, Technology Adoption Readiness, and Organisational Performance among Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises. The study focused on SMEs operating in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. A quantitative research approach was used, using data collected from 195 randomly selected respondents across 5 SMEs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that Technology Adoption Readiness significantly mediates the relationship between CBHR systems and organisational performance, and CBHR systems positively contribute to enhanced performance. SMEs with higher levels of technology adoption readiness demonstrated improved performance in dynamic business environments. The study concludes that CBHR systems play a crucial role in firm performance and that technology adoption readiness also serves as an intermediary, strengthening the impact of CBHR systems on SME performance in Zimbabwe. The study contributes to the inadequate literature on the impact of Computer-Based Human Resources Systems, Technology Adoption Readiness, and Organisational Performance by empirically demonstrating the mediating role of Technology Adoption Readiness and the impact of CBHR systems. To promote enhanced performance in SMEs, the findings provide practical insights for policymakers and SME managers.