International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Exploring the characteristics of e-HRM platforms: a qualitative study of perceived benefits in Italian SMEs  
  by Chiara Ottolenghi, Gennaro Iasevoli 
  Abstract: This study explores which human resource functions are most suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the benefits and challenges of adopting electronic human resource management (e-HRM) platforms. While e-HRM is well-studied in large organisations, little is known about its application in SMEs - especially in Italy, where limited resources and resistance to change often hinder adoption. To fill this gap, the study draws on in-depth interviews with representatives from 12 Italian SMEs. Findings highlight several benefits of e-HRM, including process efficiency, employee well-being, and strategic value. However, barriers such as technological limitations and resource constraints persist. The study maps the interaction between benefits and barriers, offering practical insights for SMEs aiming to modernise their HR functions. While grounded in the Italian context, the research contributes to a broader understanding of how SMEs can strategically adopt e-HRM to improve performance and competitiveness.
  Keywords: electronic human resource management; e-HRM; human resource management; HRM; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; grounded theory; Gioia methodology.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10072303
   
  
• From personality to purpose: unveiling career motivations in young adults  
  by Yuliya Frolova 
  Abstract: This study explores the relationships between career calling, occupational engagement, and HEXACO personality traits among university students in Kazakhstan. Using a convenience sample of 380 participants, the study applies a quantitative approach to examine how personality traits influence individuals' sense of career calling and their level of engagement in occupational activities. The results reveal that extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are positively associated with both career calling and occupational engagement, while other traits, such as agreeableness, show a significant relationship only with the other-oriented meaning dimension of career calling. No significant associations were found for emotionality or honesty-humility with career calling or occupational engagement. The findings contribute to understanding how personality dimensions impact vocational behaviours in emerging adults, particularly in a transitioning economy like Kazakhstan.
  Keywords: HEXACO; career calling; occupational engagement; emerging adults; Kazakhstan; transition economy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10072965
   
  
• Enhancing innovative work behaviour among vocational lecturers through organisational support  
  by Nilawati Fiernaningsih, Anna Widayani, Pudji Herijanto 
  Abstract: This research identifies factors that shape work-related innovative behaviour at the workplace, emphasising ministers of education in vocational colleges. It seeks to reveal such influences on workers' adoption of performance-oriented work behaviour. Conducting a quantitative survey, the study surveyed 316 out of 1,494 lecturers using self-administered questionnaires. The results show that as organisational support increases, the extent of innovative behaviour also increases, such that work engagement and proactive communication are partial mediators. The research elaborates on current trends in human resource management of vocational state higher educational institutions and explains the significance of adequate social responsiveness in enhancing the innovative capacity of lecturers. These results impact human resource practices, especially for vocational state universities. These results imply that vocational colleges must realign some HR policies regarding organisational support since it strongly impacts innovative behaviour. This, in turn, helps promote development and competitiveness in the university.
  Keywords: organisational support; innovative work behaviour; IWB; vocational lecturers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10074156
   
  
• Analysing the development drivers of strategic management of agile human resources in public organisations  
  by Shirvan Keivani, Mojtaba Heidari, Reza Rostamzadeh 
  Abstract: This study aims to analyse the factors that drive the development of strategic management of agile human resources (AHR) in the public sector. To achieve this goal, relevant factors were examined using the Delphi method and a researcher-made questionnaire. The sample consisted of 33 experts, including academics and professionals, who were selected through non-probability sampling. The designed model was then tested by distributing a questionnaire to 335 managers and experts from various public sectors. The confirmatory factor analysis method and Smart PLS 4 were used for data analysis. The results revealed that five categories of drivers - organisational, communication, knowledge, cultural, and human - have an impact on the development of strategic management of AHR in public organisations. Among these, human drivers had the highest impact with a factor of 77, while organisational drivers had the least impact with a factor of 32.6.
  Keywords: development drivers; strategic management; agile human resource; AHR; human resource; HR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10075283
   
  
• Challenges and opportunities for women in Brazilian agricultural cooperatives  
  by Claudia Moraes Rigo, Alessandra Costenaro Maciel, Carlos Daniel Rotini, Tatiane Pelegrini, Leila Dal Moro, Brian William Bodah, Alcindo Neckel, Giana Mores 
  Abstract: Female participation in leadership positions involves both personal and professional challenges, particularly within the context of multitasking responsibilities, role expectations, and gender-related barriers. In Brazilian agribusiness, the presence of women in leadership roles is increasing. This study analyses the career trajectories of female executives in agricultural cooperatives in Rio Grande do Sul, based on semi-structured interviews with eleven participants. Results indicate that cooperative members value attributes such as determination and communication. While balancing business and domestic responsibilities presents challenges, many participants perceive it as a motivating factor that enhances focus and performance. The study offers practical insights for cooperative leadership development and contributes to current debates on gender equity in the rural labour market.
  Keywords: agribusiness management; agricultural cooperatives; ambitions; cooperative leaders; decision making; executives; female participation; leadership positions; personal challenges; Brazil.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10076897
   
  
• On the relation between organisational learning, strategic human resource management and human capital: testing a mediational model  
  by Mustafa Changar, Harun Sesen 
  Abstract: The goal of this study is to discuss how organisational learning can be enhanced in corporations, which is a vital source of competitive advantage in our contemporary, rapidly evolving business environment. For this purpose, we constructed a model of strategic human resource management, human capital, and organisational learning through the lens of the resource-based view theory. We analysed data from a sample of 296 employees from two private banks and a real estate company in Northern Cyprus. AMOS software was used to test the research hypotheses by running a structural equation model. The results displayed that strategic human resource management practices had a positive and significant effect on employees' organisational learning. In addition, such practices also improved human capital, which in turn enhanced organisational learning, showing a mediational effect. Our model is an attempt at improving organisational learning theory. We established the mediating effect of human capital on the association between strategic human resource management and organisational learning. The model is distinguished by focusing on the strategic implementation of HRM practices and by conducting research on human-centred sectors in a developing country's economy through the resource-based view.
  Keywords: strategic human resource management; SHRM; organisational learning; human capital; resource-based view.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2025.10075708