A passenger running west on a ship headed east : positioning Turkish HRM on the convergence and divergence continuum

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand whether circumstantial factors in Turkey create a unique approach to human resource management (HRM) determining its place on the convergence and divergence continuum. Design/methodology/approach: Turkish HRM literature, based on 39 journal articles published between the years 1998 and 2018, are analyzed through an institutional theory lens using content analysis. Findings: The ambiguity of the convergence and divergence issue in Turkey may be argued as HRM is still not considered as a primary management function in Turkey. There appear to be only a small number of original studies that preserve cultural values as well as follow new trends within the discipline. Originality/value: This study broadens the understanding of the developmental trajectories of HRM by examining the context, history and advancement of HRM in Turkey as an example of developing economies.