HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM ACEH PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of human resource management (HRM) in supporting the digital transformation of irrigation management in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The main problem addressed in this research is the low effectiveness of digital irrigation implementation, which is assumed to be influenced by limited digital competencies and organizational culture factors. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative data collected from 120 irrigation management officers through structured questionnaires and qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reveal that HRM has a significant positive effect on digital competence (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), and digital competence significantly influences digital transformation (β = 0.55, p < 0.001). Furthermore, organizational culture strengthens the relationship between digital competence and digital transformation as a moderating variable. This study concludes that successful digital transformation in irrigation management is not solely driven by technology but is highly dependent on human resource readiness and organizational culture. The findings contribute to the development of an integrated HRM model for digital transformation in public sector irrigation systems.