An analysis of the relationship between organizational strategy and human resource policies in Turkey

Abstract

The paper explores the relationship between organizational strategies and human resource management strategies. Data was collected from owners or top managers and managers in charge of human resource issues of 100 small and medium sized companies operating in Turkey. Human resource strategies were analyzed on a unipolar dimension ranging from internal orientation to external orientation. An instrument was developed to measure Human resource practices based on human resource functions. Organizational strategy was measured using an instrument developed by Zajac and Shortell (1989) based on Miles and Snow’s (1978; 1987) typology. The study revealed that prospector organizations were more likely to have an externally oriented human resource approach. A general external orientation in human resources is reflected in the recruitment, retention, and performance management functions of the organizations.