Strategic Human Resource Management as a Catalyst for Business Operational Excellence in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Literature Review

Victoria Adekomaya ()
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Victoria Adekomaya: University of Johannesburg

A chapter in Embracing Technological Agility in Accounting and Business – Vol. 2, 2026, pp 173-186 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a transformative era characterized by rapid advancements in digital technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence, fundamentally reshaping business operations. In this dynamic environment, Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) emerges as a critical driver of business operational excellence by aligning human capital with evolving technological demands and organizational goals. This study explores the catalytic role of SHRM in enhancing business operational performance in the 4IR era by synthesizing current scholarly insights and industry reports. Adopting qualitative research design, the study employs a systematic literature review methodology to analyze peer-reviewed journal articles, theoretical frameworks, and case studies published between 2013 and 2024. The review focuses on the strategic alignment of HRM practices with technological transformation, talent management, leadership development, and employee engagement. Findings reveal that organizations that integrate SHRM with digital transformation strategies tend to exhibit higher levels of productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage. Moreover, the study highlights critical success factors, including continuous upskilling, inclusive digital cultures, and data-driven HR decision-making. The chapter concludes by proposing a conceptual framework for SHRM-driven operational excellence in the 4IR era and identifies gaps for future empirical investigation. This research contributes to the growing discourse on human capital optimization in digitally evolving workplaces and offers strategic implications for HR professionals and business leaders navigating the complexities of 4IR.

Keywords: Digital transformation; Fourth industrial revolution; HR analytics; Operational excellence; Strategic human resource management; Workforce agility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-13384-7_13

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-13384-7_13

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