Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on research performance with the focus on human resource management (HRM) practices. Attention is directed to specific correlates that influence high research performance at institutions of higher education. To answer the research question an extensive analysis of previous research studies is conducted. This study imparts a clarification of specific HRM practices that influence individual research productivity and lead to research excellence. HRM practices are classified into skill-enhancing, motivation-enhancing and opportunity–enhancing practices for research-oriented work. Results reflect the references of previous studies to analyse determinants of research performance in a complex and structural manner and reveal a specific set of HRM practices that enable to transform personal characteristics into performance. Institutions of higher education can use the findings effectively applying HRM practices enhancing research performance.

Introduction

To enhance research excellence, institutions of higher education have to answer the following important question: How to stimulate research activity and its productivity among their researchers? This in turn necessitates effective Human Resource Management (HRM) practices that would enhance research productivity and allow to reach organizational goals. Although there are a lot of studies dedicated to HRM practices’ influence on performance, there is still a lack of research analysing specific determinants of individual research performance.

The objective of the study is to identify specific HRM practices implemented by institutions of higher education (IHE) that influence individual research productivity and lead to research excellence.