Knowledge that Transforms

How can human resource management (HRM) practices promote entrepreneurial performance in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)? This article discusses the association between human capital management (HCM) and other contemporary HRM practices and the ability of SMEs to be entrepreneurial. In a study of 99 SMEs, HRM practices that promote employee discretionary behavior, knowledge sharing, and organizational learning are found to be positively associated with entrepreneurial performance. Two contingencies are also identified for this relationship. First, the use of strategic HCM practices enhances the observed positive association. Second, these relationships are strongest for SMEs operating in high‐technology industries.

This article summarizes the results and conclusions reached in studies of the relationships between race and gender diversity and business performance carried out in four large firms by a research consortium known as the Diversity Research Network. These researchers were asked by the BOLD Initiative to conduct this research to test arguments regarding the “business case” for diversity. Few positive or negative direct effects of diversity on performance were observed. Instead a number of different aspects of the organizational context and some group processes moderated diversity‐performance relationships. This suggests a more nuanced view of the “business case” for diversity may be appropriate.

The present research is intended to contribute to the understanding of how job‐choice decisions are made and the role of effective and ineffective recruiting practices in that process. The issues are examined by tracking job seekers through the job search and choice process. At multiple points in the process, structured interviews are used to elicit information from the job seekers pertaining to how they are making their decision and what factors play a role. Results provide theoretical and practical insights into the organizational and job attributes important to job choice, as well as how specific recruiting practices may exert a significant influence, positive or negative, on job‐choice decisions. For example, our findings reinforced the importance of providing job seekers the opportunity to meet with multiple (and high‐level) organizational constituents, impressive site‐visit arrangements, and frequent and prompt follow‐up. Also, imposing a deadline (i.e., “exploding offer”) showed little effect on job‐choice decisions. Recommendations for recruitment practice and continued research are provided.

This study uses a sample of 2,903 small to medium‐sized firms to examine the manner in which HR problems vary over the organizational life cycle. We found that a four‐stage model was appropriate. Interestingly, firm age did not emerge as a significant indicator of stage—the firms' HR problems varied across stages defined by growth. Training problems were highest in high‐growth firms and lowest in low‐growth firms; compensation problems were highest in moderate‐growth firms and lowest in high‐growth firms; and recruiting problems were highest in no‐growth firms and lowest in low‐growth firms.