Can HRM be Affirmed as a System? Applying General Systems Theory (GST) on Human Resource Management

Abstract

General System Theory (GST) has presented some key concepts that Strategic HRM researchers use to link different HR Systems with organizational strategic goals and performance. In order to apply General System Theory’s underpinnings in Strategic HR literature and to establish the point that GST’s key concepts can be used to explore HR systems, it is necessary to first prove that HR as a distinct function of any organization and can be declared as a system. It is possible, if researchers can prove that all or most of the key concepts presented by GST are present in organization’s HR function and thus Systems Theory/Thinking principles can be applied to design and manage HR function. This conceptual paper takes a look at literature and analyzes all related assumptions of general systems theory in the context of HRM and concluded that HRM can be declared as a system.