How do employment relations differ in small versus large firms? This paper explores the complexities of employment relations within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), challenging the polarized views of "small is beautiful" versus "bleak house". It examines key issues related to HRM in smaller organizational settings. The research explores existing literature on HRM and employment relations, highlighting the significance of SMEs in today's economy and offering an analysis of the different perspectives on employment conditions in smaller firms. It delves into the unique challenges and opportunities SMEs face. By examining employment relations in SMEs, this paper provides valuable insights for managers, HR professionals, and policymakers. It encourages a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play in smaller firms and provides some of the key issues in relation to employment relations in SMEs, in order to inform strategies to improve employment conditions and foster positive work environments.
The Employee Relations journal, dedicated to the study of workplace dynamics, provides a fitting context for this paper on employment relations in SMEs. The study aligns with the journal's focus on understanding employer-employee relationships, particularly in the context of evolving organizational structures and economic landscapes, adding a valuable perspective on the specific challenges and opportunities within smaller firms.