IRGA 2022 GRHSR

A 2018 survey conducted by Bpifrance revealed that 50% of SME leaders are committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which can lead them to rethink both their organizational structure and their existing management system. The survey also showed that SME CSR is strongly focused on the social dimension and open governance. In this context, our research project aims to understand the process of developing socially responsible human resource management (HRM) in innovative SMEs.

The originality of this study lies in its dual approach, addressing the subject from both an HR and an entrepreneurial perspective . This dual perspective will allow us to understand the manager's choices regarding socially responsible HR practices, as well as to analyze relational and governance mechanisms and the behaviors adopted by stakeholders. The theoretical framework is based on actor-network theory, which allows us to examine the dynamics of cooperation. Approaches related to partnership governance will also be employed to understand its influence on the implementation of socially responsible HR in innovative SMEs.

Our methodology is based on conducting qualitative research to carry out an in-depth analysis that takes into account the specific characteristics of the context. More specifically, a multiple case study will be conducted with seven innovative SMEs. To collect our data, several methods will be used: interviews , taking the form of life stories or semi-structured interviews, observations , and document analysis . The data will then be subjected to thematic analysis.

The GRHSR project aims to achieve three main objectives: (1) to develop a process-based model for building socially responsible HRM in innovative SMEs, specifying the influence of different contextual factors and the various stakeholders involved ; (2) to propose more robust theoretical foundations for studying the relationship between HRM and CSR in SMEs ; (3) publish articles in ranked journals and popular science media .

The GRHSR project relies on a team of complementary researchers . The project leader has developed solid expertise in HR research within innovative SMEs, and her team members will contribute skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and human resources, in line with the predefined objectives. The support of private partners —SMEs committed to CSR—will ensure both rapid access to the field and the necessary grounding in current managerial issues related to the topics studied.