International Journal of

ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES

EISSN: 2313-3724, Print ISSN: 2313-626X

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 Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2026), Pages: 153-163

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 Original Research Paper

Empowering strategic HRM through IT innovation: Evidence from SMEs in Kosovo during the COVID-19 pandemic

 Author(s): 

Blerim Dragusha *

 Affiliation(s):

Faculty of Economy, University of Prishtina, Pristina, Kosovo

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 * Corresponding Author. 

   Corresponding author's ORCID profile:  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9097-5041

 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.03.015

 Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created major challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in managing their human resources strategically, particularly under conditions of uncertainty and disruption. This study examines the impact of information technology on strategic human resource management (SHRM) in SMEs in Kosovo during the pandemic. The crisis forced many SMEs to modify their strategic approaches, especially by integrating information technologies into HR functions. The research investigates how digital tools support employee retention, talent acquisition, and the adoption of remote working practices at both national and international levels. It also analyzes the role of organizational culture, information culture, and remote communication norms in maintaining business continuity. In addition, the study considers the wider macroeconomic and institutional environment, including social, legal, and technological factors, as important external drivers influencing SME resilience. Empirical data were collected from HR managers through a longitudinal survey of 305 SMEs conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings demonstrate that IT-enabled SHRM functions as an important strategic tool for sustaining economic performance during periods of systemic disruption. The results indicate that IT-enabled SHRM is not only a supportive mechanism but also a strategic capability that enables SMEs to respond rapidly to external changes and maintain performance. Overall, the study highlights the importance of digital transformation in HRM during crisis situations and provides practical recommendations for SME managers, HR professionals, and policymakers seeking to enhance organizational agility and resilience through technology-driven HRM practices.

 © 2026 The Authors. Published by IASE.

 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

 Keywords

Strategic human resource management, SMEs, COVID pandemic, Digital transformation, HR technology

 Article history

Received 6 November 2025, Received in revised form 2 March 2026, Accepted 11 March 2026

 Acknowledgment

No Acknowledgment. 

 Compliance with ethical standards

 Ethical considerations:

Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement in the study. Participation was voluntary, and anonymity and confidentiality of responses were fully assured. 

 Conflict of interest: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

 Citation:

Dragusha B (2026). Empowering strategic HRM through IT innovation: Evidence from SMEs in Kosovo during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 13(3): 153-163

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