The main objective of this study was to introduce and empirically test a novel and useful framework from which to study human resource management (HRM) problems in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Most employers have gone to tremendous expense and effort to create scores of human resources policies, practices, and procedures that comply with the law and are consistent with their organization's corporate culture. This can include, for example, employee handbooks, administrative guides for managers, performance management systems and guidebooks, succession planning systems, severance plans, and "behind the scenes" processes for onboarding new hires, disciplining or terminating employees, promotion guidelines, and making bonus determinations.