Regulation as a small business management challenge

Citation

Wapshott R & Mallett O (2024) Regulation as a small business management challenge. In: Nolan C & Harney B (eds.) Reframing HRM in SMEs: Challenges and Dynamics. Cham, pp. 23-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34279-0_2

Abstract
In this chapter we seek to take up the challenge posed by the book’s editors, to reframe HRM in SMEs. We do this by considering employment regulation as a management challenge for small firms. We take this ‘management challenge’ approach to explore how advancing understanding of HRM in SMEs, particularly in small firms, might not only relate to the development of HR knowledge among owner-managers and internal to the firm. We suggest that, additionally, a vital part of understanding HRM in SMEs relates to owner-managers’ ability to effectively navigate their business support journeys. Developing skills around accessing support, on any topic, might help not only improve human resource management practices in small firms but also facilitate improvements in other areas of management responsibility.

Keywords
Regulation; Employment tribunals; Brexit; Health and safety; Business support; Advice; Owner-managers

People

Professor Oliver Mallett

Professor of Entrepreneurship, Management, Work and Organisation