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.