This conceptual paper investigates how the metaphorical use of concepts from complexity theory may impact the way we think about human resource management theory and practice. The concepts of fractal, strange attractor and quantum self, borrowed from complexity theory are presented. Fractal...

Human Resource Management (HRM) research, theory and practice overwhelming views the staffing of firms as a series of discrete functional activities, such as recruitment, selection and training. In this study, we investigate how organisation theory, specifically transaction cost economics (TCE),...

The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the evolution of small firm performance. We do so by studying performance changes on a two dimensional "growth– profitability performance space". It is well established that both growth and profitability are important dimensions of...

Abstract - A simple mathematical model describing the diffusion of a new, infrequently purchased product is proposed. Many previous papers have reported that the differing behaviour of "innovators" and "imitators" is fundamental to the diffusion process. However, previous models have failed to...

Small business policy has become a major focus of industrial policy initiatives in the OECD countries (Storey and Tether 1998). A range of policy measures are utilised in support of small business, including direct financial support, the provision of advisory services, the education and training...

The literature on state capacity has suggested that state-industry relations are critical in understanding the structure of industry and the capacity for industry transformation within a particular social context. Further, there appears to be a need for science and technology policies that...

Over the last three decades, modern capitalist economies have experienced significant changes in the structure of industry, the nature of production and the organisation of work. There has been a decline in traditional industries such as manufacturing, construction and mining and a growth in...

The purpose of this study is to identify key institutional determinants of firm emergence and growth. We do this using various types of data from Sweden. A characterization of a number of institutions and policy measures shows that they are likely to have contributed to an environment that...

Empirical research conducted on economic sectors in the U.S., Germany, Australia and Scotland has shown that factors such as age, size, location, legal form, and industry are related to business growth rates. Much of this research has focused on manufacturing firms thus providing little...