STRATEGIC HRM IN A VOLATILE, UNCERTAIN, COMPLEX, AND AMBIGUOUS VUCA WORLD: FROM COMPLIANCE TO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE”

Authors

  • Dr. Deepak Verma Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow
  • Dr. Leena Sharad Shimpi Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University
  • Dr. Saksham Kumar Srivastava Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow
  • Aman Patel Research Scholar, Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow
  • Shivam Dubey Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow
  • Dr. Bimal Jaiswal Professor, Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.6159

Keywords:

Vuca, Human Resource Management (Hrm), Talent Management, Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Workforce Planning, Comparative Case Study

Abstract [English]

In an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment, Human Resource Management (HRM) is transitioning from an administrative function to a strategic driver of organisational success. This paper examines how HR strategies are evolving to address VUCA challenges, with a focus on agility, resilience, systems thinking, and strategic talent development. It explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in enhancing HR functions, including talent management, employee engagement, learning and development, organisational agility, and technology adoption. A comparative case analysis of Unilever, IBM, and Accenture illustrates the application of AI in recruitment, internal mobility, and workforce scenario planning, demonstrating measurable gains in efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. While some reported outcomes derive from vendor case data, these examples highlight practical pathways for leveraging technology to strengthen HR capabilities. The study underscores the need for proactive, technology-enabled HRM approaches to sustain competitive advantage in dynamic and unpredictable environments.

References

Accenture. (2023). Work Can Become the Era of Generative AI [PDF report]. Retrieved from https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-2/Accenture-Work-Can-Become-Era-Generative-AI.pdf

Accenture. (n.d.). Building Skills at Scale with Generative AI [Case study]. Retrieved from https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-3/Accenture-Building-Skills-at-Scale-With-Generative-AI.pdf

Becker, B., Huselid, M., & Ulrich, D. (2001). The HR Scorecard: Linking People, Strategy, and Performance. Harvard Business Press.

Bennis, Warren; Nanus, Burt (1985). Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge. Harper & Row. ISBN 9780060152468.

Davenport, T. H. (2006). Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning. Harvard Business Press.

Davenport, T. H., & Prusak, L. (1998).

DeFillippi, R. J., & Arthur, J. B. (1994). Performance appraisal: An evidence-based approach. Human Resource Management Review, 4(3), 111-142.

Garvin, D. A. (1993). Build of learning organization. Harvard Business Review, 71(4), 78-91.

Harter, J. K., Schmidt, F. L., & Hayes, T. L. (2002). Business-unit-level relationship between employee satisfaction, employee engagement, and business outcomes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(2), 268-279. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037//0021-9010.87.2.268

IBM Corporation. (2021). Welcome to Watson Career Coach trial. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/SSYKAV?topic=version-welcome-watson-career-coach-trial

IBM Corporation. (2024). Empowering career growth with Watson Career Coach [Blog post]. IBM. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/case-studies/blog/empowering-career-growth

ICMR India. (2024). Unilever: Transforming Recruitment Process [Case study]. ICMR. Retrieved from https://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Human%20Resource%20and%20Organization%20Behavior/HROB272.htm

Marr, B. (2018, December 14). The Amazing Ways How Unilever Uses Artificial Intelligence to Recruit & Train Thousands of Employees. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/12/14/the-amazing-ways-how-unilever-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-recruit-train-thousands-of-employees/

Ulrich, D., & Brockbank, W. (2005). The HR value proposition: How human resources can become a business partner. Harvard Business Press.

Weick, K. E., & Quinn, R. E. (1999). Organizational sensemaking. Sage.

Wright, P. M., & McMahan, G. C. (1992). Theoretical perspectives for strategic human resource management. Journal of Management, 18(2), 295-320. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639201800205

Zambrano Manzur, B.N., Espinoza Bazán, F.A., Novoa-Hernández, P. et al. In what ways do AI techniques propel decision-making amidst volatility? Annotated bibliography perspectives. J Innov Entrep 13, 58 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-024-00396-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-024-00396-2

Downloads

Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Verma, D., Shimpi, L. S., Srivastava, S. K., Patel, A., Dubey, S., & Jaiswal, B. (2024). STRATEGIC HRM IN A VOLATILE, UNCERTAIN, COMPLEX, AND AMBIGUOUS VUCA WORLD: FROM COMPLIANCE TO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE”. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(6), 3136–3141. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.6159