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The adoption of human capital services by small and medium enterprises: A diffusion of innovation perspective

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  • Klaas, Brian S.
  • Klimchak, Malayka
  • Semadeni, Matthew
  • Holmes, Jeanne Johnson

Abstract

While lack of scale economies have traditionally limited the use of human capital programs among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), outsourcing models have recently emerged to provide cost-effective access to these programs. Drawing on the diffusion of innovation literature, we apply the rational accounts model and institutional theory to examine why SMEs differ in their willingness to use newly available human capital programs. We specifically examine the impact of SME size on the adoption of human capital innovations. Using survey and archival data from over 400 SMEs, we found broad support for the integrated approach we propose.

Suggested Citation

  • Klaas, Brian S. & Klimchak, Malayka & Semadeni, Matthew & Holmes, Jeanne Johnson, 2010. "The adoption of human capital services by small and medium enterprises: A diffusion of innovation perspective," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 349-360, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:25:y:2010:i:4:p:349-360
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Petra Andries & Dirk Czarnitzki, 2014. "Small firm innovation performance and employee involvement," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 43(1), pages 21-38, June.
    2. Murmann, Martin, 2017. "The productivity effects of worker replacement in young firms," ZEW Discussion Papers 17-010, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    3. Siepel, Josh & Cowling, Marc & Coad, Alex, 2017. "Non-founder human capital and the long-run growth and survival of high-tech ventures," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 34-43.
    4. Bjerke, Lina & Johansson, Sara, 2022. "Innovation in agriculture: An analysis of Swedish agricultural and non-agricultural firms," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    5. Raj V. Mahto & William C. McDowell & Jerry Kudlats & Timothy C. Dunne, 2018. "Learning Orientation and Performance Satisfaction as Predictors of Small Firm Innovation: The Moderating Role of Gender," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 375-391, June.
    6. Lisa K. Gundry & Laurel F. Ofstein & Javier Monllor, 2016. "Entrepreneurial Team Creativity: Driving Innovation from Ideation to Implementation," Journal of Enterprising Culture (JEC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 24(01), pages 55-77, March.
    7. Martina Musteen & Mujtaba Ahsan, 2013. "Beyond Cost: The Role of Intellectual Capital in Offshoring and Innovation in Young Firms," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 37(2), pages 421-434, March.
    8. Rauch, Andreas & Hatak, Isabella, 2016. "A meta-analysis of different HR-enhancing practices and performance of small and medium sized firms," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 485-504.

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