The Role of Strategic Human Resources Management in Developing Competitive Advantage: a Systematic Literature Review, synthesis and framework for Future Research

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Purpose - Research examining the role of Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM) in increasing Competitive Advantage (CA). There are many studies of SHRM and CA, but the role of SHRM is still in doubt and there are various modifications of research variations that test mediating variables and or moderating variables that affect CA, and there are differences in the theoretical basis used in various studies. To address this gap, a literature review of the role of SHRM on CA is presented. Design/methodology/approach – Systematic review protocols and content analysis was used to analyze and synthesize insights from 50 empirical studies obtained from two academic databases: Scopus, Google Scholar. Findings – Significant diversity in previous research on the role of SHRM on CA is summarized in several themes. There are significant limitations in the conceptualization of the influence of SHRM on CA, including along with a narrow focus on geographic, methodological and contextual foci of prior studies. The authors propose a comprehensive framework and extensive gap-specific research directions to aid future research. Research limitations/implications – The SLR is limited in its consideration of empirical studies published in academic journal articles obtained from Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Social implications – The authors reveal the foundation variables, theories that can be used in future research on the influence of SHRM on SCA. Originality/value – This study enhances and extends the research on SHRM's influence on CA by utilizing the perspectives of various modal and multidisciplinary variables for further investigation. The use of perspectives can further ascertain the role of SHRM on CA.