SUSTAINABILITY AS A CONCEPT FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Assuming that sustainability is multifaceted phenomenon, the paper reveals the literature examining sustainability as a concept for human resource management (HRM). In doing that the emphasis is placed on the meaning of sustainability and its significance and application for HRM. The paper indicates that due to different application contexts there is no consensus on notion of sustainability, however corporate sustainability means adopting a „triple bottom line“ perspective that requires the simultaneous adoption of environmental, economic and social equity principles. Admitting new challenges for HRM, the paper defines the relevance of implication the sustainability concept into HRM. Then, drawing from a wide range of understanding, three different meaning of sustainability for HRM (normative, efficiency-oriented and substance-oriented) are revealed. Recognizing Sustainable Work Systems, Sustainable Resource Management and Sustainable HRM as the approaches linking sustainability and HRM, the answers to the questions concerning future supply with motivated and qualified employees, the control of the negative effect of HRM and the responsibility for sustainability implication in HRM are stressed. Whereas the paper provides conceptual insights linking sustainability and HRM, this might help to emerge new avenues for future theoretical and empirical research.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.18.4.5631