THE CASE FOR PSYCHOLOGY IN HRM RESEARCH

Abstract

A recent literature has developed criticizing the growing influence of a psychological perspective within research on human resource management (HRM). This paper addresses and rebuts the various criticisms and outlines the positive contribution of work and organizational psychology to HRM research. In looking to the future and the continuing development of HRM research, we argue that there is a need to engage in research that is multidisciplinary, multilevel, multi-stakeholder and multi-method. We propose a number of research topics that meet these criteria and to which work and organizational psychology can offer a distinctive contribution. We call for other disciplines to make a more positive contribution to ensure that HRM research continues to flourish.