Flexible Benefits as a Strategic Tool: Supporting the Use of Human Resources as a Distinctive Competency
Abstract
Changes in marketplace competitiveness have forced the small business owner to recognize the benefits of implementing sound management principles. Two areas of management that have gained increasing attention in the small business research are business strategy and human resource management. This paper suggests that smaller firms can gain a competitive edge through developing a distinctive competency in the human resource area. One human resource tool, flexible benefits plans, is described and a strategic model is suggested that outlines how they can be used to help develop a firm 's human resources as a distinctive competency.
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