Human Resource Management Practices in Modern Organizations: Evidence from a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study systematically examines emerging and underexplored dimensions of human resource management (HRM) in response to the widening gap between traditional HRM theory and contemporary organizational realities. While earlier research emphasized recruitment, training, performance appraisal, and compensation, technological and societal transformations have reshaped HRM’s scope. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review of 110 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 in Scopus and Web of Science was conducted, complemented by bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer to identify intellectual clusters and emerging trends. Four major thematic clusters were identified: digital and AI-driven HRM, sustainable and green HRM, employee well-being and psychological safety, and inclusive, diversity-oriented HRM. Findings show that digital and analytics-based practices dominate current discourse, whereas algorithmic governance, ethical AI, and holistic health remain underdeveloped. Sustainable and inclusive HRM models demonstrate moderate maturity, while employee well-being is often approached instrumentally. Methodologically, the field relies heavily on cross-sectional surveys, self-reported data, and Western-centric samples, highlighting the need for longitudinal, multi-source, and cross-cultural designs. An integrative framework is proposed linking emerging HRM dimensions to employee and organizational performance, with psychological empowerment and perceived organizational support as mediators, and culture, digital maturity, and industry turbulence as moderators. The study advances HRM theory and offers practical guidance for designing technologically effective and ethically responsible HRM systems.