The Pervasiveness And Trajectory Of Methodological Choices: A 20‐Year Review Of Human Resource Management Research |
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| Authors: | Hugh T. J. Bainbridge Karin Sanders Julie A. Cogin Cai‐Hui Lin |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Room 510, School of Management Business School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 2052;2. Room 528, School of Management Business School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 2052;3. Room G14, Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 2052;4. Room 02.006, Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road Queen's Management School, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 5EE, UK |
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| Abstract: | This article examines the methodological choices of researchers studying the HR practices–outcome relationship via a content analysis of 281 studies published across the past 20 years. The prevalence and trajectory of change over time are reported for a wide range of methodological choices relevant to internal, external, construct, and statistical conclusion validity. While the results indicate a high incidence of potentially problematic cross‐sectional, single‐informant, and single‐level designs, they also reveal significant improvements over time across many validity relevant methodological choices. This broad‐based improvement in the methodological underpinnings of HR research suggests that researchers and practitioners can view the findings reported in the HR literature with increasing confidence. Directions for future research are provided. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
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| Keywords: | content analysis methodological choices multiple HR practices research methodology validity |
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