Designing a Comparative Human Resource Management Model in the Face of Convergence/Divergence Challenges: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Approach
Keywords:
Adaptive management, human resources, convergence and divergence, data-driven theory, structural equation modelingAbstract
The objective of this study was to design and validate a comparative human resource management model in response to convergence and divergence challenges in organizations operating in complex and dynamic environments. This study was developmental–applied in purpose and employed an exploratory mixed-method approach grounded in the pragmatic paradigm. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 28 academic experts, senior HR managers, and HR consultants using a systematic grounded theory strategy, and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding procedures. In the quantitative phase, the extracted model was empirically tested using a survey method. A researcher-developed questionnaire was distributed among 384 HR managers and specialists working in multinational corporations, knowledge-based firms, and governmental organizations. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares approach The results indicated that convergence pressures had a significant positive effect on adaptive HR strategies (β=0.41, t=6.82), and divergence pressures also significantly influenced adaptive HR strategies (β=0.36, t=5.94). Convergence–divergence tension showed a significant positive relationship with adaptive HR strategies (β=0.44, t=7.31). Adaptive HR strategies significantly influenced dual HR systems (β=0.62, t=11.47), and dual HR systems significantly improved organizational performance (β=0.58, t=10.36). Furthermore, adaptive HR strategies had a direct and significant positive effect on organizational performance (β=0.39, t=7.04). The findings demonstrate that effective management of convergence and divergence challenges through adaptive HR strategies and dual HR systems enhances organizational performance, flexibility, and sustainable competitive advantage in complex organizational environments.
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