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@article{197267,
        author = {Vanamala Sivareddy and Dr. R. Maregoud},
        title = {HRM Practices and Human Capital Management : An Empirical Study of SMEs' in Gulbarga District of Karnataka},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {5112-5122},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197267},
        abstract = {Small and Medium Enterprises constitute the most dynamic segment of India's industrial economy, yet their adoption of formalised Human Resource Management practices remains inconsistent, particularly in Tier-2 industrial districts. This paper investigates two objectives: first, to examine the extent of adoption of key HRM practices comprising recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, and reward management among 112 respondents drawn from selected SMEs in Gulbarga District, Karnataka; and second, to analyse the relationship between Human Capital Management practices and employee motivation, satisfaction, and organisational performance. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire of 89 items administered to top management and executive staff. Four statistical analyses were conducted: descriptive statistics, Spearman rank correlation, Kruskal-Walli’s test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Findings reveal that recruitment and HCM practices record the highest adoption, while reward management and performance appraisal remain underdeveloped. Spearman correlation confirms significant associations between motivation and organisational performance (rho = 0.682, p < 0.001), satisfaction and performance (rho = 0.646, p < 0.001), and HCM and performance (rho = 0.442, p < 0.001). The study contributes original empirical evidence from Gulbarga District of Karnataka and provides actionable guidance for SME practitioners and policymakers},
        keywords = {HRM Practices; Human Capital Management; SMEs; Gulbarga District; Karnataka; Organisational Performance; Spearman Correlation; Emerging Economy},
        month = {April},
        }