HRM maturation model for the sustainability of SMEs

Given the increasing importance of human resources as the most fundamental asset of companies, evaluating and improving HRM processes is valuable for organizations to achieve their goals. This situation is much more critical in terms of the sustainability of SMEs, which are the lifeblood of the economy in our country and carry a heavy burden in employment. In the research, primarily the literature contributions on the effects of HRM practices on the performance of companies and the maturation models used for the development of these processes are discussed in general. In the next section, P-CMM, which is one of the most well-known maturation models for the development of HR processes, is evaluated in detail. In the third part, a maturity model alternative that will serve the HRM processes in SMEs has been prepared in order to prepare the research for the application part. "Grounded Theory" is preferred as a methodical approach. The fourth chapter is about the presentation of the alternative model prepared. The model developed in the last section was implemented with 16 companies that produce machinery within the SAMIB (Sakarya Machinery Manufacturers Association). Evaluation findings were interpreted and presented in detail together with suggestions regarding managerial practices. It is expected that this study will provide a basis for research on the evaluation and development of HR practices in SMEs and will be beneficial in terms of eliminating the lack of empirical applications of maturity models.