Title: Socially responsible human resource management and employees' entrepreneurial behaviour: social exchange perspective

Authors: Muzaffar Abbas; Sadaqat Ali; Qlander Hayat; Naveed Saif; Muhammad Mudassar Hussain

Addresses: Business Administration, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan ' NUML Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan ' National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan ' Institute of Management Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan ' Business Administration, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of socially responsible human resource management (SR-HRM) on employees' entrepreneurial behaviour (EEB) in the manufacturing sector. Anchored in the social exchange theory, the research explores the intricate dynamics between SR-HRM practices, EEB, and knowledge hiding tendencies among employees. The choice of the manufacturing sector stems from the sector's reliance on skilled labour and the consequential impact on performance and innovation. A sample of 384 employees participated, with data collected through adapted questionnaires administered both in person and online. The findings indicate that SR-HRM significantly predicts EEB while negatively influencing knowledge hiding. Moreover, knowledge hiding mediates the relationship between SR-HRM and EEB. The study also identifies knowledge-oriented leadership as a crucial moderator in these dynamics. In practical terms, these insights guide HR managers and industrial psychologists in recruitment, selection, and intervention strategies to foster social exchange theory and mitigate knowledge hiding's adverse effects in the manufacturing sector.

Keywords: SR-HRM; employees' entrepreneurial behaviour; knowledge hiding; KH; knowledge-oriented leadership; KoL; manufacturing industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEV.2024.142396

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2024 Vol.16 No.3, pp.317 - 336

Received: 12 Sep 2023
Accepted: 25 Mar 2024
Published online: 29 Oct 2024 *

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