Human Resource Development Strategies for Enhancing SME Competitiveness: A Systematic Literature Review
Keywords:
HRD Strategies, Human Resource Development, SMEs, Systematic Literature ReviewAbstract
This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from ten peer-reviewed articles exploring human resource development (HRD) strategies for enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across diverse country contexts, including India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mexico, and Lebanon. The review aims to identify dominant HRD themes, methodological trends, research gaps, and theoretical and practical implications. Studies analyzed deploy quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, examining interventions such as targeted training, coaching, empowerment, innovative funding, and the integration of HRD with core business and innovation strategies. Results reveal that tailored HRD practices supported by adaptive systems, empowerment, digitalization, and multi-stakeholder partnerships substantially improve SME productivity, resilience, and sustainability. However, research gaps persist in areas such as digital/green HRM adoption, HRD for micro and informal enterprises, and comprehensive integration with innovation management. The review concludes that contextually adapted HRD is a catalyst for SME transformation, and calls for further research using longitudinal and cross-country designs to advance both theory and practice.
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