A comparison between content and black-box HRM performance studies: From direct relationships to psychological theory

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there has been a consistent and concerted scholarly effort to demonstrate a relationship between HRM systems and organizational performance. The HRM performance studies (HRM-P) utilize different theoretical approaches and methodologies to reveal this relationship. HRM-P content studies were the earliest attempt utilize empirical and positivist methodology to reveal the impact of HRM systems on organizational performance. Black-box HRM-P also utilizes the positivist approach but establishes a link between HRM and performance through intervening employee affective and attitudinal outcomes. This paper presents a review of content and black-box HRM-P studies.