Title: Setting the stage for innovation: towards a conceptual model of the HR-innovation link

Authors: Andreas Wallo; Henrik Kock; Peter Nilsson

Addresses: Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden ' Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden ' Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden

Abstract: The article shows that human resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) activities play a potentially important role in facilitating innovation in organisations. Based on previous research, a conceptual model is presented that displays how an organisation's human resource (HR) function can facilitate innovation by securing and developing the HR supply chain to ensure the healthy and continuous flow of personnel and competence into, within, and out of the organisation (i.e., by securing the appropriate competences for the job and the organisation, by developing and retaining existing competences, and by transferring competences from employees who are leaving to those who remain in the organisation). This article argues that HR practitioners can set the stage for innovations by actively and strategically implementing HR activities that support the creation of an expansive learning environment in which both adaptive and developmental learning can occur.

Keywords: human resource management; HRM; human resource development; HRD; human resources; HR supply chain; innovation; workplace learning; adaptive learning; developmental learning; exploration; exploitation; learning environment; conceptual modelling; competences.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2016.075375

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2016 Vol.16 No.1/2, pp.100 - 120

Accepted: 13 Jan 2016
Published online: 17 Mar 2016 *

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