Research Design & Methods (hrm-methods)

When to trigger

• Predictor and outcome are single-source, single-wave, self-reported (common-method-bias risk)
• The theory is cross-level (unit HR system → individual outcome) but data are one level
• HR-system or practice constructs lack validated measures or a defended aggregation
• The causal claim ("HPWS raises performance") rests on cross-sectional correlation
• A reviewer says "the design cannot test this hypothesis," "CMB," or "HPWS adoption is endogenous"

HRM accepts any rigorous design — the bar is fit, not method

HRM welcomes qualitative, quantitative, meta-analytic, and critical-review work, exploratory or confirmatory, inductive/deductive/abductive. The judgment is fit and rigor, plus the journal's demand that the design support a practice-relevant conclusion. Match the design to the claim: