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A three-fold framework for understanding HRM practices in South-Eastern European SMEs

Psychogios, Alexandros G.; Szamosi, Leslie T.; Prouska, Rea; Brewster, Christopher

Authors

Alexandros G. Psychogios

Leslie T. Szamosi

Rea Prouska

Christopher Brewster



Abstract

© 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study particular structural and organisational factors affecting the formality of human resource management (HRM) practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South-Eastern European (SEE) post-communist countries, in particular Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in order to understand the antecedents of formalization in such settings. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a quantitative approach, this study analyses data gathered through a survey of 168 managers of SMEs from throughout the region. Findings – The results show that HRM in SMEs in the SEE region can be understood through a threefold framework which includes: degree of internationalisation of SMEs, sector of SMEs and organisational size of SMEs. These three factors positively affect the level of HRM formalisation in SEE SMEs. These findings are further attributed to the particular political and economic context of the post-communist SEE region. Research limitations/implications – Although specific criteria were set for SME selection, the authors do not suggest that the study reflects a representative picture of the SEE region because the authors used a purposive sampling methodology. Practical implications – This paper provides useful insights into the factors which influence HRM in SMEs in a particular context. The findings can help business owners and managers understand how HRM can be applied in smaller organisations, particularly in post-communist SEE business contexts. Originality/value – HRM in SMEs in this region has hardly been studied at all despite their importance. Therefore, this exploratory research seeks to expand knowledge relating to the application of HRM in SMEs in SEE countries which have their business environments dominated by different dynamics in comparison to Western European ones.

Citation

Psychogios, A. G., Szamosi, L. T., Prouska, R., & Brewster, C. (2016). A three-fold framework for understanding HRM practices in South-Eastern European SMEs. Employee relations, 38(3), 310-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-07-2014-0078

Acceptance Date Jun 10, 2015
Online Publication Date Feb 16, 2016
Publication Date Apr 4, 2016
Deposit Date Nov 25, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Employee relations
Print ISSN 0142-5455
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 3
Pages 310-331
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-07-2014-0078
Keywords HRM; SMEs; South-Eastern Europe; Internationalisation; Sector; Organisational size
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/381773
Publisher URL http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/ER-07-2014-0078
Additional Information Authors' accepted manuscript of article published in: Employee relations, 2016, v.38, issue 3.

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