Data Protection And Electronic Human Resource Systems (E-Hrs): A Case Study Of Valley View University, Oyibi-Ghana

ABSTRACT The study sought to ascertain the extent to which Valley View University (VVU) has complied with the Data Protection Act (DPA) since the implementation of the E-HRS at the University. This case study sampled a total of thirty employees from diverse functional units of the University. The aim was to evaluate respondents’ acceptability, knowledge and understanding of E-HRS issues relating to the DPA, security issues in the DPA and adherence to such security issues. Findings revealed that, most of the employees were aware of the existence of the E-HRS and that its implementation has ensured the safety of employee records. On E-HRS related issues, a significant majority admitted that the DPA provides strict guidelines for ensuring confidentiality of information on the E-HRS whereas few observed the Act sets modalities to be followed in unfortunate circumstances when data is processed by unauthorized persons. On security issues presented in the DPA, many remarked that data controllers are to adopt measures to prevent the loss of, damage to or unauthorized destruction and unlawful access to personal data. Data controllers have the obligation to notify the data protection commission in all instances of breach or suspicion of breach by third parties of confidential data. Finally, there is adherence to some security issues by the University and interestingly, a significant majority expressed optimism that their information is kept confidential hence they trust the professionalism of the HR. Immediate and regular training of the workforce on the use and benefits of E-HRS is strongly recommended. To strengthen confidence, forestall data and other HR function-related grievances, and to enhance the working knowledge of security issues presented in the Act, copies of the DPA must also be made available to staff and other employees of the University.