Strategic Human Resource Management and Organisational Sustainability: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) has increasingly become an important organisational mechanism for achieving long-term sustainability. As organisations face environmental uncertainty, technological transformation, changing workforce expectations, resource constraints, and increasing demands for social and environmental responsibility, traditional approaches to human resource management may be insufficient to support sustainable organisational development. Strategic HRM provides an opportunity to align human resource policies and practices with broader organisational objectives while simultaneously developing employee capabilities, organisational resilience, responsible leadership, and sustainable performance. This conceptual paper examines the theoretical relationship between strategic human resource management and organisational sustainability by synthesising existing scholarly perspectives. The discussion focuses on the role of strategic HR practices in developing human capital, employee engagement, organisational capabilities, innovation, knowledge management, digital transformation, responsible leadership, and long-term organisational resilience. The paper also examines the contribution of HRM to the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The literature suggests that sustainable organisations require HR systems that move beyond short-term productivity and incorporate employee well-being, learning, inclusion, responsible management, adaptability, and long-term value creation. Strategic alignment between HR practices and sustainability objectives can strengthen organisational capabilities and support sustainable competitive advantage. The paper concludes that SHRM should be viewed as a strategic mechanism through which organisations integrate people, organisational objectives, and sustainability principles. A sustainability-oriented HR approach can contribute to organisational resilience while simultaneously supporting employees and broader stakeholder interests.