Are the human resource practices of effective firms distinctly different from those of poorly performing ones? Evidence from Taiwanese enterprises

The strategic importance of human resources and their contribution to the e ffectiveness of business firms are receiving increasing recognition worldwi de. In this study, I examine different approaches to human resource managem ent (HRM) practices for business firms in different performance categories. Findings obtained from a study of 315 firms in Taiwan demonstrate that org anizational performance is significantly related to the management of such human resource functions as planning, staffing, appraisal, compensation and training and development. The results also indicate that successful firms are often those that adopt a highly effective approach to the management of their human resources.