Agile human resource management

Abstract

This entry discusses how innovative and agile human resource management (HRM) practices are implemented in organizations. Innovative HRM practices embody new and different ways of carrying out HRM. Innovativeness and agility are relevant to all aspects of HRM. Our concern is with developing HRM practices in new, agile, flexible, and rapid ways based on the needs and culture of each organization. Our goal is to question and challenge established HRM processes. We consider HRM practices in hospitals and small and medium-sized organizations, but the best practices can also be applied at larger companies. Innovative HRM practices are often deeply rooted in an organization's culture and require a willingness to rethink traditional HR operations at the strategic, operational, and personal levels. This ‘thinking outside the box’ approach fosters organizational development by encouraging the adoption of agile and creative HRM practices.