Title: Relationship between innovation, HRM and work organisation. An exploratory study in innovative companies

Authors: Aitziber Lertxundi; Jon Barrutia; Jon Landeta

Addresses: Department of Financial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Oñati plaza 1, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain ' Department of Financial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Lehendakari Agirre 83, 48015 Bilbao, Spain ' Department of Financial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Lehendakari Agirre 83, 48015 Bilbao, Spain

Abstract: Previous research has addressed the relationship between human resource management (HRM) and work organisation practices and innovation outcomes. However, the findings suggest that the causal mechanisms of this link are not yet fully understood. Further work is therefore considered necessary in this regard. This study contributes to this field with an exploratory investigation. The purpose is to extend our understanding of how such practices can improve innovation outcomes, based on the experiences of professionals from leading innovating companies. A qualitative methodology has been applied, comprising successive application of in-depth personal interviews and the Delphi technique. The results suggest that three of the instruments that make a major contribution are leadership style, an innovation-friendly culture and the creation of work teams to find solutions to customer needs.

Keywords: innovation; work organisation; human resource management; HRM; Spain; human resources; human resource development; innovative companies; Delphi technique; in-depth personal interviews; qualitative methodology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2019.098628

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2019 Vol.19 No.2, pp.183 - 207

Received: 22 Oct 2016
Accepted: 22 Aug 2017
Published online: 29 Mar 2019 *

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