The RBV theory foundation of strategic HRM: critical flaws, problems for research and practice, and an alternative economics paradigm

摘要

The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm is a guiding paradigm for strategic HRM research. This article explores the RBV-strategic HRM intersection, identifies and critiques RBV weaknesses and problem areas, develops new implications for RBV-strategic HRM theory and empirical work, and develops an alternative economics-based decision model for making HRM choices. The article focuses on four RBV-strategic HRM dimensions: HRM performance and the `no rules for riches' proposition; alternative definitions of value and competitive advantage and implications for strategic HRM's dependent variable; neglect of marginal decision rules and consequent misprediction of optimal HRM adoption; and the impact on employee relations of RBV-guided rent-capture practices. Numerous implications for theory and practice are developed; also suggested is a new paradigm approach for strategic HRM theory.