Paradigmatic Choices and Research Approaches in HRM Research: A Refusal for Puritanical Stances in HRM Research Practice—A Conceptual Paper

The current practice of strictly and exclusively associating certain paradigms and approaches with specific types of research is strangling philosophical advancement in HRM studies. Both research philosophies and approaches are rarely mentioned in HRM research studies. Mainstreaming philosophical stances in HRM studies will enrich the quality of research output. Adopting a certain paradigm has definite and defined implications for the entire research process. Research philosophy is not a ceremonial addition in HRM studies. The purpose of this article is two-fold. First, to illuminate clarity as far as the usage of research philosophies and approaches in HRM are concerned, and second, to broaden the spectrum of usage while at the same time demystifying popular myths concerning paradigms and research approaches’ usage. The article calls for the correct usage of terms associated with research paradigms so as to promote philosophical fidelity and advances. The article rejects a puritanical stance in the usage of HRM research paradigms, methodologies and methods. This article presents guidelines to be used in the study and practice of HRM philosophies in HRM research. Finally, the article advocates for methodological pluralism within a specific research philosophy in HRM studies, but rejects philosophical pluralism.