Introduction to the Special Issue: Qualitative Methods in Research on Human Resource Management

Interest in qualitative research has increased in recent years regarding its relevance for developing the field of strategy and Human Resource Management further. Strategy and management research includes numerous examples of high quality studies using qualitative methods that have contributed to this field. Moreover, highly ranked management journals have published special issues on qualitative research. Especially in the realm of Human Resource Management, a strong discussion on the status of theory and research has evolved (see e.g. Deadrick/Stone 2008). The increasing amount of articles regarding this topic displays that there is a growing demand for discussing the purpose, methods and the contribution of qualitative research (Pratt 2008). The Academy of Management has institutionalized workshops at their annual meetings where researchers share ideas and discuss qualitative research methods with a close link to their current research projects. In 2008 the German Academic Association for Business Research invited scholars to a pre-conference workshop at their annual meeting to discuss and reflect upon qualitative methods. Given this increase in the relevance of qualitative research methods, the German Journal of Human Resource Research is pleased to present a special issue on ‘Qualitative Methods in Research on Human Resource Management’.