Sustainable human resource management practices in small and medium enterprises: A strategic imperative for achieving sustainable development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

With the quest for sustainable development increasingly becoming a persistent concern for countries and organisations both globally and locally, sustainable human resource management (SHRM) has emerged as a vital strategy for achieving sustainable development. The study underscores the imperative of integrating SHRM practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for the achievement of sustainable development goals in Zimbabwe. With SMEs in Zimbabwe facing a myriad of challenges, the study was aimed at understanding how SMEs may integrate SHRM practices into their businesses. Grounded in the Resource Based View (RBV) theory and the Sustainable HRM framework, the study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the ways of integrating sustainable HRM practices into Zimbabwean SMEs. A qualitative research approach was employed, where semi- structured interviews were used to gather data from 10 Human Resource Management practitioners and 12 Small and Medium Enterprise owners. Thematic analysis of data was done and the findings revealed that SMEs in Zimbabwe were aware of the importance of implementing SHRM practices, however, they faced several challenges. The study concluded that while SMEs face various challenges and have not done much in integrating SHRM practices into the business, they can gain significant economic, social and environmental outcomes from such an integration. The study recommends SMEs to develop sustainability strategies, align SHRM practices with business goals, prioritise and focus on key areas, seek external expertise and support; capacitate SMEs owners and employees to be key players in implementing SHRM practices; and prioritise stakeholder engagement and partnerships in order to effectively integrate HRM practices into their businesses. The study underscores the potential of SHRM practices in enhancing the achievement of sustainable development where priority is given to the well-being of both people and the planet.