Abstract:
This review takes an evolutionary and chronological perspective on the development of
strategic human resource management (SHRM) literature. We divide this body of work into
seven themes that reflect the directions and trends researchers have taken over approximately
thirty years of research. During this time the field took shape, developed rich conceptual
foundations, and matured into a domain that has substantial influence on research activities in
HR and related management disciplines. We trace how the field has evolved to its current state,
articulate many of the major findings and contributions, and discuss how we believe it will
evolve in the future. This approach contributes to the field of SHRM by synthesizing work in this
domain and by highlighting areas of research focus that have received perhaps enough
attention, as well as areas of research focus that, while promising, have remained largely
unexamined.
