The RBV theory foundation of strategic HRM: critical flaws, problems for research and practice, and an alternative economics paradigm

The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm is a guiding paradigm for strategic HRM research. This article explores the RBV–strategic HRM intersection, identifies and critiques RBV weaknesses and problem areas, develops new implications for RBV–strategic HRM theory and empirical work, and develops an alternative economics-based decision model for making HRM choices. The article focuses on four RBV–strategic HRM dimensions: HRM performance and the ‘no rules for riches’ proposition; alternative definitions of value and competitive advantage and implications for strategic HRM's dependent variable; neglect of marginal decision rules and consequent misprediction of optimal HRM adoption; and the impact on employee relations of RBV-guided rent-capture practices. Numerous implications for theory and practice are developed; also suggested is a new paradigm approach for strategic HRM theory.

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