Desegregating HRM: A Review and Synthesis of Micro and Macro Human Resource Management Research

Abstract

Since the early 1980s the field of HRM has seen the independent evolution of two independent subfields (strategic and functional), which we believe is dysfunctional to the field as a whole. We propose a typology of HRM research based on two dimensions: level of analysis (individual/group or organization) and number of practices (single or multiple). We use this framework to review the recent research in each of the four subareas. We argue that while significant progress has been made within each area, the potential for greater gains exists by looking across each area. Toward this end we suggest some future research directions based on a more integrative view of HRM. We believe that both areas can contribute significantly to each other resulting in a more profound impact on the field of HRM than each can contribute independently.