The Effect of Human Resource Analytics on Reducing Time-to-Hire in Talent Acquisition: Evidence from FMCG Organisations in Zambia

Abstract

The efficiency of talent acquisition has become a critical determinant of organisational competitiveness, particularly in sectors characterised by high employee mobility and rapid operational cycles. This study examines the effect of Human Resources (HR) analytics on reducing time-to-hire within selected Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) organisations in Lusaka, Zambia. Grounded in evidence-based human resource management and socio-technical systems theory, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining structured questionnaires (n = 29) and semi-structured interviews (n = 15) across four FMCG organisations. Quantitative findings reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between HR analytics utilisation and time-to-hire (β = −0.56, p < 0.001), while qualitative findings demonstrate that analytics improves recruitment efficiency through enhanced pipeline visibility, sourcing effectiveness, and hiring manager accountability. However, the effectiveness of HR analytics is moderated by organisational culture, technological integration, and HR analytics capability. The study contributes to the limited empirical literature on HR analytics in Sub-Saharan Africa and offers actionable recommendations for organisations seeking to enhance recruitment efficiency through analytics-enabled talent acquisition.