ERP Research

This paper examines how ERP system implementation impacts job satisfaction through changes in job characteristics. Over a 12-month period, the study finds that ERP implementation moderates the relationship between job characteristics (skill variety, autonomy, feedback) and job satisfaction, revealing ERP’s role in reshaping job perceptions and satisfaction.

Research Objectives

To investigate how ERP system implementation influences the relationship between job characteristics and job satisfaction, particularly during the shakedown phase post-implementation.

Methodology

A longitudinal study with a sample of 2,794 employees in a telecommunications firm. The study used the Job Characteristics Model (JCM) and analyzed pre and post-ERP implementation data.

Key Findings

Skill Variety, Autonomy, and Feedback: These job characteristics had positive effects on job satisfaction before ERP implementation, but the relationship became negative post-implementation, suggesting that ERP systems may reduce job satisfaction in these areas.
Task Significance and Task Identity: These characteristics maintained a stable positive relationship with job satisfaction, unaffected by ERP implementation.
The study highlights how ERP systems can disrupt established job satisfaction factors, especially in roles requiring high autonomy and skill variety.

Challenges

ERP implementations may reduce perceived autonomy and increase job stress due to new workflows and system constraints, potentially leading to dissatisfaction during the adaptation phase.

Limitations

Focused on one telecommunications firm, which may limit generalizability. Additionally, it examines only the immediate post-implementation phase (12 months), leaving long-term effects unaddressed.

Future Research Directions

Suggests examining the effects of ERP over longer periods and in various industries to understand how job characteristics impact satisfaction beyond the initial shakedown phase.

Research Relevance

This study provides valuable insights into how ERP systems alter the relationship between job design and satisfaction, especially relevant for analyzing the human impact of ERP on organizational change.

Reference

Morris, M. G., & Venkatesh, V. (2010). Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction: Understanding the Role of Enterprise Resource Planning System Implementation. MIS Quarterly, 34(1), 143-161.