A temporal evolution of human resource management and technology research: a retrospective bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Research on human resource management (HRM) and technology has gained momentum recently. This review aims to create a bibliographic profile of the field of HRM and technology using bibliometric techniques, complemented by qualitative analysis, examining 239 articles published in the four key human resource (HR) journals.

Design/methodology/approach

First, using VOSviewer software, we analysed the research productivity by identifying authors, journals and influential articles, followed by insights on research themes and their evolution. Next, integrating bibliometric and qualitative approaches, we conducted a hybrid inquiry of the field to analyse current theories, methods and variables.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis highlighted the intellectual structure, key themes and distinctive developments categorised under four temporal phases that have shaped research in this field. In addition, qualitative analysis presents significant theoretical perspectives, the methods employed and the nomological framework of variables.

Originality/value

Our study advances the extant literature on HRM and technology by quantifying the leading bibliometric performance indicators complemented by qualitative evaluation of the field, which entails exploring the possible research strands and related trends that have emerged in the past two decades.