The concept of HR 4.0: A literature review
Abstract
Objective: The article aims to identify the degree of interest and consider HR 4.0 issues in scientific research. This approach enables the analysis of the existing body of work to prepare for future empirical research by gathering relevant resources of knowledge available on this subject, as well as by varying research directions.
Research Design & Methods: The study adopted formal approaches and systematic methods to locate, select, evaluate, summarise, and report the references collected in a literature review. Articles were analysed using the VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19), which is a tool used to construct and visualise bibliometric networks.
Findings: The concept of HR 4.0 forms a separate cluster directly related to the concept of Industry 4.0, and only through this path is it shaped by other semantic determinants. This indicates a lack of detailed analysis of the concept and thus probably of the entire concept itself. In the future, from the perspective of the HR 4.0 concept, the HR function will implement specific tools, such as cybernetic influences, digitalisation of human resource management (HRM), remote HRM, human – machine interface skills, human – strategic organisational links, and human – technology interface competences.
Implications & Recommendations: To date, researchers have focused on technological tools supporting human resource management processes, hence, most references have been identified with the concept of e-HRM. On the other hand, if we take the concept of Industry 4.0 as a starting point, then based on its consequences, it will also be possible in the future to analyse the relationship between the HR function and Industry 5.0.
Contribution & Value Added: There is a wide cognitive gap in the research on the concept of HR 4.0, and the information obtained from research places humans at the centre of Industry 4.0 alongside technology and organisation.
Keywords
HRM, HR 4.0, Industry 4.0, evolution of the HR, HR function
Author Biography
Magdalena M. Stuss
Associate Professor at the Jagiellonian University (Poland). Her scientific interests include human resource management in public organizations and enterprises, employer branding, organization of work in managerial positions, and the search for the relationship between human resource management and finance – human capital management in the practice of enterprises and contemporary management concepts.
References
- Amui, L.B.L., Jabbour, C.J.C., de Sousa Jabbour, A.B.L., & Kannan, D. (2017). Sustainability as a dynamic organizational capability: a systematic review and a future agenda toward a sustainable transition. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 308-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.103 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.103
- Armstrong, M. (2002). Zarządzanie zasobami ludzkimi. Oficyna Ekonomiczna.
- Arruda, H.M., Bavaresco, R.S., Kunst, R., Bugs, E.F., Pesenti, G.C., & Barbosa, J.L.V. (2023). Data Science Methods and Tools for Industry 4.0: A Systematic Literature Review and Taxonomy. Sensors, 23(11), 5010. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115010
- Baldassari, P., & Roux, J.D. (2017). Industry 4.0: preparing for the future of work. People & Strategy, 40(3), 20-24.
- Becker, B.E., & Huselid, M.A. (2006). Strategic Human Resources Management: Where Do We Go From Here?. Journal of Management, 32(6), 898-925. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206306293668 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206306293668
- Cheese, P. (2008). Driving high performance in the talent‐powered organization. Strategic HR Review, 7(4), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/14754390810880507 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14754390810880507
- Chernyak-Hai, L., & Rabenu, E. (2018). The New Era Workplace Relationships: Is Social Exchange Theory Still Relevant?. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 11(3), 456-481. https://doi.org/10.1017/iop.2018.5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/iop.2018.5
- De Bruyne, E., & Gerritse, D. (2018). Exploring the future workplace: results of the futures forum study. Journal of Corporate Real Estate, 20(3), 196-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-09-2017-0030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-09-2017-0030
- Denyer, D., & Tranfield, D. (2009). Producing a systematic review. In D. Buchanan & A. Bryman (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Organizational Research Methods (pp. 671-687). Sage Publications Ltd.
- Denyer, D., & Tranfield, D. (2006). Using qualitative research synthesis to build an actionable knowledge base. Management Decision, 44(2), 213-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740610650201 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740610650201
- Dhanpat, N., Buthelezi, Z.P., Joe, M.R., Maphela, T.V., & Shongwe, N. (2020). Industry 4.0: The role of human resource professionals. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 18. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v18i0.1302 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v18i0.1302
- DiRomualdo, A., El-Khoury, D., & Girimonte, F. (2018). HR in the digital age: how digital technology will change HR’s organization structure, processes and roles. Strategic HR Review, 17(5), 234-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-08-2018-0074 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-08-2018-0074
- Dlamini, R., & Ndzinisa, N. (2020). Universities trailing behind: Unquestioned epistemological foundations constraining the transition to online instructional delivery and learning. South African Journal of Higher Education, 34. https://doi.org/10.20853/34-6-4073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.20853/34-6-4073
- Doshi, M., Shukla, A., & Patel, P. (2021). A study on digitalisation in human resources with help of some examples. SSRN Electronic Journal, 8, a425-a438.
- El-Khoury, D. (2017). Digital transformation and the world-class HR difference. Strategic HR Review, 16(2), 86-88. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-01-2017-0001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-01-2017-0001
- Gan, J.L., & Yusof, H.M. (2019). Industrial revolution 4.0: The human resource practices. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(3), 620-624. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.C1203.1083S219
- Ganer, S.D., Kediya, S.O., Suchak, A.K., Dey, S.K., & Band, G. (2022). Analytical study of HRM practices in industry 5.0. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1259(1), 012041. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1259/1/012041 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1259/1/012041
- Gerhart, B. (2005). Human resources and business performance: Findings, unanswered questions, and an alternative approach. Management Revue, 174-185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5771/0935-9915-2005-2-174
- Guthrie, J.P. (2001). High-involvement work practices, tutnover and productivity: Evidence from New Zeland. Academy of Management Journal, 44(1), 180-190. https://doi.org/10.2307/3069345 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3069345
- Huselid, M.A. (1995). The impact of human resource management practices on turnover, productivity and corporate financial performance. Academic Management Journal, 38(3), 635-672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/256741
- Jabbour, C.J.C. (2013). Environmental training in organisations: From a literature review to a framework for future research. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 74, 144-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.12.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.12.017
- Kämpf-Dern, A., & Konkol, J. (2017). Performance-oriented office environments – framework for effective workspace design and the accompanying change processes. Journal of Corporate Real Estate, 19(4), 208-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-03-2017-0009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-03-2017-0009
- Kitchenham, B. (2004). Procedures for Performing Systematic Reviews. Keele, UK, Keele Univ., 33.
- Liboni, L.B., Cezarino, L.O., Jabbour, C.J.C., Oliveira, B.G., & Stefanelli, N.O. (2019). Smart industry and the pathways to HRM 4.0: implications for SCM. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 24(1), 124-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-03-2018-0150 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-03-2018-0150
- Listwan, T. (Ed.). (2002). Zarządzanie kadrami. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.
- Lumi, A. (2020). The Impact of Digitalisation on Human Resources Development. Prizren Social Science Journal, 4, 39-46. https://doi.org/10.32936/pssj.v4i3.178 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32936/pssj.v4i3.178
- Mahoney‐Phillips, J., & Adams, A. (2009). Getting the measure of HR. Strategic HR Review, 9(1), 5-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/14754391011007061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14754391011007061
- Makieła, Z., Stuss, M.M., & Borowiecki, R. (2021). Sustainability, Technology and Innovation 4.0. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003184065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003184065
- Mariano, E.B., Sobreiro, V.A., & Rebelatto, D.A.N. (2015). Human development and data envelopment analysis: A structured literature review. Omega, 54, 33-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2015.01.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2015.01.002
- Muralidhar, S. (2016). Impact of HR Practices on Job Satisfaction and Talent Management in the Manufacturing Sector. PES Business Review, 11(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.21842/pes/2016/v11/i2/140731 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21842/pes/2016/v11/i2/140731
- Nteboheng, P., Mefi, W., Sisulu, U., Samson, N., Asoba, W., Mefi, N., & Asoba, S.N. (2021). Sustainable human resource practices for organizational competitiveness post the Covid-19 pandemic. Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, 27, 1-7. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/openview/44b5b0c6f65a7698177438b8cf8d8011/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=29726 on April 2, 2023.
- Nugroho, R.E. (2017). Analysis of Talent Management, Employee Engagement and Leadership. International Journal of Economic Perspective, 11(4), 590-601.
- Obeidat, S.M. (2016). The link between e-HRM use and HRM effectiveness: an empirical study. Personnel Review, 45(6), 1281-1301. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-04-2015-0111 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-04-2015-0111
- Oleksyn, T. (2017). Zarządzanie zasobami ludzkimi w organizacji. Warszawa: Wolters Kluwer.
- Pocztowski, A. (2007). Zarządzanie zasobami ludzkimi: strategie, procesy, metody. Polskie Wydawnictwo Ekonomiczne.
- Rahanu, H., Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K., Ross, M., & Berki, E. (2021). Ethical Issues Invoked by Industry 4.0 (pp. 589-606). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85521-5_39 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85521-5_39
- Schultz, C.M. (2021a). The relationship between self-leadership, the future of human resource management, and work engagement. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 19. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1701 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1701
- Schultz, C.M. (2021b). The future and the role of human resource management in South Africa during the Fourth Industrial Revolution. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 19. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1624 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1624
- Shamim, S., Cang, S., Yu, H., & Li, Y. (2016). Management approaches for Industry 4.0: A human resource management perspective. 2016 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC), 5309-5316. https://doi.org/10.1109/CEC.2016.7748365 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/CEC.2016.7748365
- Sima, V., Gheorghe, I.G., Subić, J., & Nancu, D. (2020). Influences of the Industry 4.0 Revolution on the Human Capital Development and Consumer Behavior: A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 12(10), 4035. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104035 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104035
- Sivathanu, B., & Pillai, R. (2018). Smart HR 4.0 – how industry 4.0 is disrupting HR. Human Resource Management International Digest, 26(4), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-04-2018-0059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-04-2018-0059
- Stuss, M.M. (2021). Zarządzanie talentami. Koncepcje, modele i praktyki. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4467/K7221.226/20.20.15556
- Tabatabaee, S.A.N., Lakeh, A.A., & Tadi, A.A. (2014). A Study of Succession Planning Challenges in Governmental Organizations. Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 3(11.a), 231-238. https://doi.org/10.12816/0018795 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12816/0018795
- Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207-222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
- Trotta, D., & Garengo, P. (2019). Assessing Industry 4.0 Maturity: An Essential Scale for SMEs. 69-74. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITM.2019.8710716 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITM.2019.8710716
- Trotta, D., & Garengo, P. (2018). Industry 4.0 key research topics: A bibliometric review. 2018 7th International Conference on Industrial Technology and Management (ICITM), 113-117. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITM.2018.8333930 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITM.2018.8333930
- Ulrich, D., Younger, J., Brockbank, W., & Ulrich, M. (2012). HR talent and the new HR competencies. Strategic HR Review, 11(4), 217-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/14754391211234940 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14754391211234940
- Verma, A., & Venkatesan, M. (2022). HR factors for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0: A systematic literature review. Journal of General Management, 47(2), 73-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/03063070211019141 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03063070211019141
- Wirtky, T., Laumer, S., Eckhardt, A., & Weitzel, T. (2016). On the Untapped Value of e-HRM – a Literature Review. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 38, 20-83. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.03802 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.03802
- Wright, P.M., Gardner, T.M., & Moynihan, L.M. (2003). The impact of HR practices on the performance of business units. Human Resource Management Journal, 13(3), 21-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-8583.2003.tb00096.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-8583.2003.tb00096.x
