Agentic Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic HR Partner: Redefining Decision-Making Authority and Strategic Roles

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijire.20260701010

Published In

Volume 7, Issue 1 (2026)

Published Online

January-February 2026

Pages

81-87

Article Type

Original Article

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Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Human Resource Management (HRM) by advancing beyond traditional decision-support functions toward autonomous decision-making and strategic action. Unlike conventional HR analytics tools, agentic AI systems demonstrate adaptive, goal-oriented and semi-autonomous capabilities that enable them to shape critical processes such as recruitment, performance evaluation, workforce planning and employee development. Although organizations are increasingly adopting these systems to enhance efficiency and strategic alignment, their implications for HR decision-making authority and the evolving strategic role of HR professionals remain insufficiently examined. This study investigates the role of agentic AI as a strategic partner in HRM, focusing on how it reconfigures decision-making authority and redefines HR’s strategic positioning. Grounded in Socio-Technical Systems Theory, Agency Theory and the Resource-Based View, the research introduces a conceptual framework that connects AI autonomy with trust in AI, perceived competence, distribution of decision authority and HR role transformation, moderated by governance mechanisms. Employing a quantitative survey of HR professionals in technology-enabled organizations, the study analyses the extent to which AI autonomy influences strategic HR involvement and authority structures. The findings aim to enrich Strategic HRM literature by repositioning AI as an active strategic actor rather than a passive tool, while offering governance insights for responsible integration. From a practical perspective, the study provides guidance for organizations seeking to balance AI autonomy with accountability, fairness and human oversight in HR functions.