Human resource management and innovation in SMEs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relation between human resource management (HRM) and innovation in small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) through gift/counter-gift exchanges. Design/methodology/approach Using the theory of the gift/counter-gift, the authors study the case of a French SME, specifically, a technological innovation project developed from 2013 to 2016. The authors structure the data and create a model using the Gioia method. Findings The results reveal that the logic of giving evolves in three key stages: freeing up gifts, mobilizing gifts and rethinking gifts. Originality/value These stages highlight the importance of an enabling organizational environment, gift/counter-gift relationships and the role of a number of HRM practices.