Comparative Analysis of HR Analytics Adoption in Recruitment: Production vs. Service Industries of NCR/Gurgaon

Abstract

Human Resource (HR) Analytics has emerged as a transformative tool in modern talent management, enabling data-driven decision-making across recruitment and selection processes. While its adoption is expanding globally, significant variations persist across industries and geographies. This study presents a comparative analysis of HR Analytics adoption in recruitment within production and service industries in NCR/Gurgaon, India. Drawing on survey data from 40 organizations (20 production and 20 service) and supported by semi-structured interviews, the study explores levels of awareness, extent of adoption, perceived benefits, and key challenges faced by HR professionals. The analysis reveals that service industries demonstrate higher awareness and integration of HR Analytics across recruitment stages, leveraging advanced platforms for sourcing, screening, shortlisting, and selection. Production industries, however, exhibit modest adoption, largely limited to early recruitment stages and basic applicant tracking systems. Perceived benefits are stronger in service industries, including faster decision-making, improved efficiency, and better candidate quality, whereas production firms remain cautious, citing high costs, lack of skilled HR staff, and cultural resistance as barriers. Statistical analysis confirms significant differences in adoption levels between the two sectors, with organizational size, HR budget allocation, and management support emerging as key predictors. The findings underscore the need for sector-specific strategies, enhanced training, cost-effective solutions, and stronger leadership advocacy to advance adoption. The study contributes to HRM and informatics literature by addressing sectoral, geographical, and outcome gaps in HR Analytics research, while offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and academia.