Human resource management as a determining factor in organizational learning

Human resource management as a determining factor in organizational learning

Human resource management as a determining factor in organizational learning

Lopez S.P., Peon J.M.M., Ordas C.J.V. Management Learning, June 2006 Vol. 37 No. 2 Research paper

Purpose – investigates the relationship between human resource management and organizational learning, focusing on four human resource management activities – recruitment, training, remuneration and decision making. Design/methodology/approach – based on an analysis of the literature, hypothesizes that selective recruitment practices, strategic training, contingent remuneration and employee participation would each have a positive effect on organizational learning. Tests this out by surveying 2,740 Spanish firms (195 usable responses being received). Develops a representative model of the relationships between the human resource management practices and organizational learning. Findings – reports that only contingent remuneration was found not to have a significant influence on organizational learning. Argues that human resource managers should focus on developing a “softer” approach to employee management that aims to develop employee commitment to organizational values rather than rely on a management approach based on command and control. Research limitations/implications – describes the research method and the analysis. Originality/value – deepens the knowledge of how human resource management practices affect organizational learning.

Keywords: Human resource management, Learning organizations, Spain