IN SEARCH OF AN IDEAL-TYPE TO CHARACTERIZE HRM IN A HIGH-TECH START-UP

Abstract

This article questions the existence and the HRM
dimensions of start-ups throughout their development. The first part identifies the recurring features
of human resources management in these young
innovative and growing companies, starting from the
utility of searching for an ideal-type to characterizing
their dimensions. HRM is understood as a system of
high-performance practices related to strategy and
more broadly speaking the specific context of these
companies. This ideal-type is then compared with
the longitudinal case study of the start-up Withings,
a global leader in connected objects in the health
sector. This case highlights the key dimensions of
the ideal-type of HRM through the model we call
“C.I.D.”, which persists during the development of
this company combined with a transformation of
practices and the differentiated involvement of stakeholders over time. This research introduces the C.I.D.
as a central system of HRM practices which facilitates
the innovation and growth of start-up.