Core functions of Sustainable Human Resource Management. A hybrid literature review with the use of H-Classics methodology

Abstract

The key to a successful implementation of the idea of sustainable development in organizations is competent, motivated employees. Therefore, Human Resource Management (HRM) is of particular interest to practitioners and researchers. New HRM concepts that address emerging problems – such as sustainable HRM – arise and develop. The aim of this article is to answer the following research questions: What kind of issues are presented in the most cited articles in the field of sustainable HRM, taking into account the following division of HRM functions: recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, compensation, training and development, and HR flow? Which HRM functions require further research in the context of sustainable HRM? This study applies H-Classics methodology and presents a hybrid literature review linking bibliometric characterization of the articles on sustainable HRM (including green HRM, socially responsible HRM, triple bottom line HRM, and common good HRM) with a manual review of those publications that made up the H-Core of this research field. The most discussed HRM function was HR training, while the least discussed was HR flow. Moreover, HRM is mainly presented in relation to the environmental bottom line. Most of the cited papers present general guidance on how to shape individual functions of sustainable HRM and indicators for measuring the extent to which organizational practices are green. Research directions in H-Core papers have been formulated toward all HRM functions, treated as a system and separately. The article also presents directions for additional research that were identified in the course of this study.