HR practices and work relationships: A 20 year review of relational HRM research

Abstract

We systematically reviewed quantitative studies of phenomena at the nexus of Human Resource Management (HRM) and interpersonal relationships. We report on the overall prevalence and trends in research methods relating to construct, internal, external, and statistical conclusion validity. The review draws attention to areas of emphasis (positive relationships, instrumental ties, nonnetwork structures, employee respondents, samples drawn from Asia, HR perceptions). We also identify a growing emphasis on particularly desirable approaches to examining relational HRM (a more balanced consideration of positive and negative relationships, studies that examine more than one HR practice, multilevel analyses). Together, the identified areas of emphasis, gaps, and associated trends, inform our elucidation of research directions around 15 specific work relationships—along with more general directions for better accounting for dynamic, multilevel, measurement, and analytical considerations central to HRM and interpersonal relationships.