Skills shortage and recruitment in the SME sector

Abstract

Skills shortage and recruitment is an area of undeniable importance to the SME sector and a challenge for human resource management. This article reports on the findings from a study of people management in over 300 organisations employing typically between 20 and 200 people. It aims to provide a clear understanding of how both larger and smaller SMEs recruit and select staff. It finds that the SMEs may have some advantages in the extent to which they can use flexible working patterns: a large number of companies use part‐time workers, job‐sharing and contracting out. However, full‐time working is still the most common form of employment. The article reports that the most popular method for establishing pay levels within SMEs is the value of the job to the organisation, and the abilities or skills of the new employee. Most respondents to this survey felt that they had no skills shortage problem.

Citation

Vinten, G. (1998), "Skills shortage and recruitment in the SME sector", Career Development International, Vol. 3 No. 6, pp. 238-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620439810234491