Human Resource Management and Business Success in Small, Hi-Tech Firms: Some Lessons for Data Processing

What does human resource management contribute to the success of small, high-technology firms? The results of our survey clearly indicate three human resource-related characteristics that increase the chances of success in small software firms. The lessons from this can be generalised to apply in high-tech departments within firms that deal on a product basis with internal customers. Although success is rarely guaranteed, these three characteristics contribute to a flexible planning framework to meet and counter challenges in fast-changing markets. Ten success tactics are detailed and translated to a data-processing context.