Despite the proliferation of HRM research, only a small fraction explores the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Where HRM in SMEs has received attention, the literature base remains fragmented and variable, comprising a plurality of definitions, explanations, and methods. To advance understanding, this paper uses a quarter‐century systematic review drawing on an evidence base of 137 peer‐reviewed articles. A cumulative framework is presented capturing key developments and synthesizing existing areas of research focus. Analysis of limitations and knowledge‐gaps finds a failure to differentiate across various types of SMEs, limited appreciation of SME characteristics and contextual conditions, and a dominance of managerial perspectives. An agenda for future research on HRM in SMEs is outlined with respect to definitional parameters, HR practices, HRM–performance, key determinants, and presenting issues. The paper concludes that SMEs offer a unique, fruitful, and timely context for investigations of HRM.

中文翻译：

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对中小企业HRM的25世纪回顾：捕获我们所知道的东西，探索我们需要去的地方

尽管人力资源管理研究激增，但只有一小部分探讨了中小企业（SME）的背景。在中小企业的人力资源管理受到关注的地方，文献基础仍然是零散的和多变的，包括多种定义，解释和方法。为了增进理解，本文使用了基于137年同行评审文章的证据基础的25世纪系统评价。提出了一个累积的框架，以捕获关键的发展并综合现有的研究重点领域。对局限性和知识差距的分析发现，无法在各种类型的中小型企业之间进行区分，对中小型企业特征和背景条件的了解有限，以及在管理观点上的优势。概述了有关中小企业人力资源管理的未来研究议程，涉及定义参数，人力资源实践，人力资源管理绩效，关键决定因素和提出的问题。本文的结论是，中小企业为人力资源管理局的调查提供了独特，卓有成效和及时的环境。