The impact of selected HRM factors on company's survival of SMEs: Empirical research in V4 countries

Abstract

This paper aimed to present and quantify the impact of significant HRM factors on the survival of SMEs in the V4 countries. In June 2022, researchers conducted a study in the Visegrad Four countries to understand the attitudes of SMEs. The study employed a random sampling method and included 1,398 respondents. The established scientific hypothesis was verified using linear regression modelling at a significance level of ɑ = 5%. The study found a link between specific HR practices and the medium-term survival of SMEs in the Visegrad Four countries. The intensity of this dependence varies across the V4 countries. Czech respondents emphasized the importance of investing in improving the qualification of their employees in the context of firm sustainability. At the same time, Slovak SMEs drew attention to the importance of the existing incentive system for employees. SMEs in Poland strongly and positively perceived the importance of human capital in the company and regular evaluation of employee performance in their attitudes. A somewhat surprising finding is that in Hungary, the individual HRM factors were not statistically significant. The aggregate model for all V4 countries showed the highest intensity of dependence between the defined variables.