Managing Human Capital of an Organization: Sociological Analysis of Conceptual Approaches
Research Article
How to Cite
Minina V.N. (2025) Managing Human Capital of an Organization: Sociological Analysis of Conceptual Approaches. Zhurnal sotsiologii i sotsialnoy antropologii (The Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology), 28(1): 57–77 (in Russian). DOI: https://doi.org/10.31119/jssa.2025.28.1.3 EDN: BNVKCV
Abstract
The article is focused on the analysis of the development of conceptual approaches to the management of human capital of an organization, as a lead to the conclusion that the differences in the models of human capital management of an organization occur in the chain of theoretical discrepancies. The starting point is the ambiguity of interpretation of the basic concept of “human capital”, which is mainly caused by scientific specialization of researchers of this phenomenon. The author argues that the concept of “human capital” is based on the concept of “human potential”, which under particular circumstances is transformed into human resources that that in market environment become a commodity. The next level of theoretical divergence linked to the definition of human capital at the organizational level. The author provides arguments for the necessity of applying an approach that integrates the analysis of human capital at the individual, the level of organizational units and the organization as a whole. The third level of debate relates to the choice of human capital management models, which relies on the application of various theories of the firm. The article proves the feasibility of applying the stakeholder theory to build a human capital management system consisting of four subsystems: the subsystem of corporate identity and value, the subsystem of work with personnel, the subsystem of personnel development, and the subsystem of HR-analytics. The digital transformation of socio-economic life leads to the emergence of the concept of "digital human capital", which meets the requirements of the digital economy. The management of digital human capital requires the widespread use of digital technologies and tools for working with personnel, as well as the restructuring of organizational relations. The author highlights the role of human capital analytics based on the application of a wide range of digital technologies and tools, and underlines the trend towards a gradual transition to a human capital management model based on aligning the interests of the firm's key stakeholders.
Keywords:
human capital, human capacity, human capital management, digital human capital, resource theory, stakeholder theory
References
Аранжин В.В., Нехода Е.В. (2022) Влияние трудовых ценностей различных поколений работников на выбор форм и видов занятости: результаты эмпирического анализа. Экономика труда, 9(2): 249–270. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.9.2.114078.
Aranzhin V.V., Nekhoda E.V. (2022) The influence of labor values of different generations of workers on the choice of forms and types of employment: results of empirical analysis. Ekonomika Truda [Labor Economics], 9(2): 249–270. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.9.2.114078.
Ахраменко П.Г., Швайба Д.Н. (2022) Исследование динамики развития человеческого капитала персонала предприятия. Бюллетень науки и практики, 8(3): 297–304. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414–2948/76/32.
Akhramenko P.G., Shvayba D.N. (2022) Research on the dynamics of enterprise personnel human capital development. Byulleten' nauki i praktiki [Bulletin of Science and Practice], 8(3): 297–304. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414–2948/76/32.
Базылева М. (2013) Управление человеческим капиталом. Наука и инновации, 5: 40–45.
Bazyleva M. (2013) Human capital management. Nauka i innovatsii [Science and Innovation], 5: 40–45.
Балацюк E.С., Кресникова E.В. (2024) Трудовые ценности в поколенческом аспекте на примере младших миллениалов Санкт-Петербурга. Интеракция. Интервью. Интерпретация, 16(2): 50–68. https://doi.org/10.19181/inter.2024.16.2.3. EDN: DAZQVK.
Balatsyuk E.S., Kresnikova E.V. (2024) Labor values in the generational aspect on the example of junior millennials in St. Petersburg. Interaktsiya. Interv'yu. Interpretatsiya [Interaction. Interview. Interpretation], 16(2): 50–68. https://doi.org/10.19181/inter.2024.16.2.3. EDN: DAZQVK.
Брюхина Н.Г. (2020) Основные концепции человеческого капитала в научных исследованиях. Управление устойчивым развитием, 2: 11–19.
Bryukhina N.G. (2020) Basic concepts of human capital in scientific research. Upravleniye ustoychivym razvitiyem [Sustainable Development Management], 2: 11–19.
Васина В.Н., Черненко И.М. (2021) Цифровой человеческий капитал на российском рынке труда: роль интернета и компьютерных компетенций в формировании заработной платы. Экономика труда, 8(12): 1427–1444. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.8.12.113908.
Vasina V.N., Chernenko I.M. (2021) Digital human capital in the Russian labor market: the role of the Internet and computer skills in shaping wages. Ekonomika Truda [Labor Economics], 8(12): 1427–1444. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.8.12.113908.
Габдуллин Н. М. (2018) Управление человеческим капиталом в цифровой экономике. Экономика и управление, 12: 66–75.
Gabdullin N. M. (2018) Human capital management in the digital economy. Ekonomika i upravleniye [Economics and Management], 12: 66–75.
Гвоздева М.А., Казакова М.В. (2017) Исследование понятия человеческого капитала в экономической литературе. Социум и власть, 1: 82–87.
Gvozdeva M.A., Kazakova M.V. (2017) Study of the concept of human capital in economic literature. Sotsium i vlast' [Society and Power], 1: 82–87.
Жданов Д.А. (2020) Человеческий капитал предприятия в контексте системной экономики. ЭНСР, 4: 24–38. https://doi.org/10.33293/1609-1442-2020-4(91).
Zhdanov D.A. (2020) Human capital of the enterprise in the context of system economics. ENSR [Economics of Sustainable Development], 4: 24–38. https://doi.org/10.33293/1609-1442-2020-4(91).
Зотова Е.А. (2021) Сущность понятия «человеческий капитал», применительно к образовательной организации. Экономические науки, 9: 107–113. https://doi.org/10.14451/1.202.107.
Zotova E.A. (2021) The essence of the concept of "human capital" in relation to an educational organization. Ekonomicheskiye nauki [Economic Sciences], 9: 107–113. https://doi.org/10.14451/1.202.107.
Иванов О.И. (2016) Человеческий капитал и его показатели (взгляд социолога). Социология и право, 1: 44–52.
Ivanov O.I. (2016) Human capital and its indicators (a sociologist's view). Sotsiologiya i pravo [Sociology and Law], 1: 44–52.
Ильин В.И. (2023) «Человеческий капитал» как категория качественной социологии. Социологические исследования, 3: 32–41. https://doi.org/10.31857/S013216250024881–2.
Ilyin V.I. (2023) “Human capital” as a category of qualitative sociology. Sotsiologicheskiye issledovaniya [Sociological Studies], 3: 32–41. https://doi.org/10.31857/S013216250024881–2.
Кельчевская Н.Р., Ширинкина Е.В. (2018) Особенности управления человеческим капиталом на предприятиях в условиях цифровой экономики. Инновации в менеджменте, 18: 25–31.
Kelchevskaya N.R., Shirinkina E.V. (2018) Features of human capital management at enterprises in the digital economy. Innovatsii v menedzhmente [Innovations in Management], 18: 25–31.
Симарова И.С., Алексеевичева Ю.В., Жигин Д.В. (2022) Цифровые компетенции: понятие, виды, оценка и развитие. Вопросы инновационной экономики, 12(2): 935–948. https://doi.org/10.18334/vinec.12.2.114823.
Simarova I.S., Alekseevicheva Yu.V., Zhigin D.V. (2022) Digital competencies: concept, types, assessment and development. Voprosy Innovatsionnoy Ekonomiki [Russian Journal of Innovation Economics], 12(2): 935–948. https://doi.org/10.18334/vinec.12.2.114823.
Тихонова Н.Е., Латов Ю.В., Латова Н.В. и др. (2023) Человеческий капитал российских профессионалов: состояние, динамика, факторы. М.: ФНИСЦ РАН.
Tikhonova N.E, Latov Yu.V., Latova N.V. et al. (2023) Human capital of Russian professionals: state, dynamics, factors. Moscow: FNISTs RAN.
Трофимова Н.Н. (2023) Цифровая корпоративная культура как элемент цифровой трансформации организации. Этносоциум, 2: 106–113.
Trofimova N.N. (2023) Digital corporate culture as an element of digital transformation of an organization. Etnosotsium [Ethnosocium and Interethnic Culture], 2: 106–113.
Федоров Н.Ю. (2021) Категория человеческого капитала в социологической vs экономической теории. Социология, 1: 352–359.
Fedorov N.Yu. (2021) The category of human capital in sociological vs economic theory. Sotsiologiya [Sociology], 1: 352–359.
Ширинкина Е.В. (2018) Особенности управления человеческим капиталом на предприятиях при переходе на цифровые технологии. Мир экономики и управления, 18(3): 55–65. https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2018-18-3-55-65.
Shirinkina E.V. (2018) Features of human capital management at enterprises in the transition to digital technologies. Mir ekonomiki i upravleniya [World of Economics and Management], 18(3): 55–65. https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2018-18-3-55-65.
Afiouni F. (2013) Human capital management: a new name for HRM? International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 10(1): 18–34. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLIC.2013.052081
Ajisafe O.E., Orifa R.A. (2015) Influence of Human Capital Management on Organizational Performance. Journal of Resources Development and Management, 14: 8–14.
Beer M., Spector B., Lawrence P., Mills Q.D., Walton R. (1984) Managing Human Assets: The Groundbreaking Harvard Business School Program. New York: Free Press, 1984.
Boon C., Eckardt R., Lepak D.P., Boselie P. (2018) Integrating strategic human capital and strategic human resource management. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(1): 34–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2017.1380063.
Atkinson J. (1985) Flexibility, Uncertainty and Manpower Management. Brighton: The Institute for Employment Studies, UK.
Freeman R.E. (1984) Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston: Harpercollins College Div.
Kaya N., Kesen M. (2014) Optimal Use of Human Capital in an Organization. Journal of Management, Marketing & Logistics — JMML, 1(4): 311–322.
Kiran V.S., Shanmugam V., Raju R.K., Kanagasabapathy J.R. (2022) Impact of Human Capital Management on Organizational Performance With the Mediation Effect of Human Resource Analytics. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 7(3): 01–27. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2022.v7i3.0667.
Khoruzhy L.I., Khoruzhy V.I., Kubrushko P.F., Karataeva O.G., Bitkova L.A. (2023) Comparative analysis of human capital management strategies in the context of digitalization of the national economy. Front. Sociol., 8: 1114301. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1114301.
Kucharčíková A. (2013) Managerial approaches to understanding the human capital. Human Resources Management & Ergonomics, 7(1): 33–44.
Lepak D.P., Snell S.A. (1999) The Human Resource Architecture: Toward a Theory of Human Capital Allocation and Development. The Academy of Management Review, 24(1): 31–48. https://doi.org/10.2307/259035.
Lepak D.P., Snell S.A. (2002) Examining the Human Resource Architecture: The Relationships among Human Capital, Employment, and Human Resource Configurations. Journal of Management, 28: 517–543. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920630202800403.
Marrewijk M., Timmers J. (2003) Human Capital Management: New Possibilities in People Management. Journal of Business Ethics, 44(2/3): 171–184. https://doi.org/10.1023/A: 1023347715882.
Micharls E., Handlief-Jones H., Axelrod B. (2001) The war for talent. Boston (MA).
Namasivayam K., Denizci B. (2006). Human capital in service organizations: Identifying value drivers. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 7(3): 381–393. https://doi.org/10.1108/14691930610681465.
Nurullah K., Mustafa K. (2014) Optimal use of human capital in an organization. Journal of Management, Marketing and Logistics, 1(4): 311–322.
Ployhart R.E., Moliterno Th.P. (2011) Emergence of the Human Capital Resource: a Multilevel Model. Academy of Management Review, 36(1): 127–150.
Štaffenová N., Kucharčíková A. (2023) Digitalization in the Human Capital Management. Systems, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11070337.
Aranzhin V.V., Nekhoda E.V. (2022) The influence of labor values of different generations of workers on the choice of forms and types of employment: results of empirical analysis. Ekonomika Truda [Labor Economics], 9(2): 249–270. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.9.2.114078.
Ахраменко П.Г., Швайба Д.Н. (2022) Исследование динамики развития человеческого капитала персонала предприятия. Бюллетень науки и практики, 8(3): 297–304. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414–2948/76/32.
Akhramenko P.G., Shvayba D.N. (2022) Research on the dynamics of enterprise personnel human capital development. Byulleten' nauki i praktiki [Bulletin of Science and Practice], 8(3): 297–304. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414–2948/76/32.
Базылева М. (2013) Управление человеческим капиталом. Наука и инновации, 5: 40–45.
Bazyleva M. (2013) Human capital management. Nauka i innovatsii [Science and Innovation], 5: 40–45.
Балацюк E.С., Кресникова E.В. (2024) Трудовые ценности в поколенческом аспекте на примере младших миллениалов Санкт-Петербурга. Интеракция. Интервью. Интерпретация, 16(2): 50–68. https://doi.org/10.19181/inter.2024.16.2.3. EDN: DAZQVK.
Balatsyuk E.S., Kresnikova E.V. (2024) Labor values in the generational aspect on the example of junior millennials in St. Petersburg. Interaktsiya. Interv'yu. Interpretatsiya [Interaction. Interview. Interpretation], 16(2): 50–68. https://doi.org/10.19181/inter.2024.16.2.3. EDN: DAZQVK.
Брюхина Н.Г. (2020) Основные концепции человеческого капитала в научных исследованиях. Управление устойчивым развитием, 2: 11–19.
Bryukhina N.G. (2020) Basic concepts of human capital in scientific research. Upravleniye ustoychivym razvitiyem [Sustainable Development Management], 2: 11–19.
Васина В.Н., Черненко И.М. (2021) Цифровой человеческий капитал на российском рынке труда: роль интернета и компьютерных компетенций в формировании заработной платы. Экономика труда, 8(12): 1427–1444. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.8.12.113908.
Vasina V.N., Chernenko I.M. (2021) Digital human capital in the Russian labor market: the role of the Internet and computer skills in shaping wages. Ekonomika Truda [Labor Economics], 8(12): 1427–1444. https://doi.org/10.18334/et.8.12.113908.
Габдуллин Н. М. (2018) Управление человеческим капиталом в цифровой экономике. Экономика и управление, 12: 66–75.
Gabdullin N. M. (2018) Human capital management in the digital economy. Ekonomika i upravleniye [Economics and Management], 12: 66–75.
Гвоздева М.А., Казакова М.В. (2017) Исследование понятия человеческого капитала в экономической литературе. Социум и власть, 1: 82–87.
Gvozdeva M.A., Kazakova M.V. (2017) Study of the concept of human capital in economic literature. Sotsium i vlast' [Society and Power], 1: 82–87.
Жданов Д.А. (2020) Человеческий капитал предприятия в контексте системной экономики. ЭНСР, 4: 24–38. https://doi.org/10.33293/1609-1442-2020-4(91).
Zhdanov D.A. (2020) Human capital of the enterprise in the context of system economics. ENSR [Economics of Sustainable Development], 4: 24–38. https://doi.org/10.33293/1609-1442-2020-4(91).
Зотова Е.А. (2021) Сущность понятия «человеческий капитал», применительно к образовательной организации. Экономические науки, 9: 107–113. https://doi.org/10.14451/1.202.107.
Zotova E.A. (2021) The essence of the concept of "human capital" in relation to an educational organization. Ekonomicheskiye nauki [Economic Sciences], 9: 107–113. https://doi.org/10.14451/1.202.107.
Иванов О.И. (2016) Человеческий капитал и его показатели (взгляд социолога). Социология и право, 1: 44–52.
Ivanov O.I. (2016) Human capital and its indicators (a sociologist's view). Sotsiologiya i pravo [Sociology and Law], 1: 44–52.
Ильин В.И. (2023) «Человеческий капитал» как категория качественной социологии. Социологические исследования, 3: 32–41. https://doi.org/10.31857/S013216250024881–2.
Ilyin V.I. (2023) “Human capital” as a category of qualitative sociology. Sotsiologicheskiye issledovaniya [Sociological Studies], 3: 32–41. https://doi.org/10.31857/S013216250024881–2.
Кельчевская Н.Р., Ширинкина Е.В. (2018) Особенности управления человеческим капиталом на предприятиях в условиях цифровой экономики. Инновации в менеджменте, 18: 25–31.
Kelchevskaya N.R., Shirinkina E.V. (2018) Features of human capital management at enterprises in the digital economy. Innovatsii v menedzhmente [Innovations in Management], 18: 25–31.
Симарова И.С., Алексеевичева Ю.В., Жигин Д.В. (2022) Цифровые компетенции: понятие, виды, оценка и развитие. Вопросы инновационной экономики, 12(2): 935–948. https://doi.org/10.18334/vinec.12.2.114823.
Simarova I.S., Alekseevicheva Yu.V., Zhigin D.V. (2022) Digital competencies: concept, types, assessment and development. Voprosy Innovatsionnoy Ekonomiki [Russian Journal of Innovation Economics], 12(2): 935–948. https://doi.org/10.18334/vinec.12.2.114823.
Тихонова Н.Е., Латов Ю.В., Латова Н.В. и др. (2023) Человеческий капитал российских профессионалов: состояние, динамика, факторы. М.: ФНИСЦ РАН.
Tikhonova N.E, Latov Yu.V., Latova N.V. et al. (2023) Human capital of Russian professionals: state, dynamics, factors. Moscow: FNISTs RAN.
Трофимова Н.Н. (2023) Цифровая корпоративная культура как элемент цифровой трансформации организации. Этносоциум, 2: 106–113.
Trofimova N.N. (2023) Digital corporate culture as an element of digital transformation of an organization. Etnosotsium [Ethnosocium and Interethnic Culture], 2: 106–113.
Федоров Н.Ю. (2021) Категория человеческого капитала в социологической vs экономической теории. Социология, 1: 352–359.
Fedorov N.Yu. (2021) The category of human capital in sociological vs economic theory. Sotsiologiya [Sociology], 1: 352–359.
Ширинкина Е.В. (2018) Особенности управления человеческим капиталом на предприятиях при переходе на цифровые технологии. Мир экономики и управления, 18(3): 55–65. https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2018-18-3-55-65.
Shirinkina E.V. (2018) Features of human capital management at enterprises in the transition to digital technologies. Mir ekonomiki i upravleniya [World of Economics and Management], 18(3): 55–65. https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2018-18-3-55-65.
Afiouni F. (2013) Human capital management: a new name for HRM? International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 10(1): 18–34. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLIC.2013.052081
Ajisafe O.E., Orifa R.A. (2015) Influence of Human Capital Management on Organizational Performance. Journal of Resources Development and Management, 14: 8–14.
Beer M., Spector B., Lawrence P., Mills Q.D., Walton R. (1984) Managing Human Assets: The Groundbreaking Harvard Business School Program. New York: Free Press, 1984.
Boon C., Eckardt R., Lepak D.P., Boselie P. (2018) Integrating strategic human capital and strategic human resource management. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(1): 34–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2017.1380063.
Atkinson J. (1985) Flexibility, Uncertainty and Manpower Management. Brighton: The Institute for Employment Studies, UK.
Freeman R.E. (1984) Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston: Harpercollins College Div.
Kaya N., Kesen M. (2014) Optimal Use of Human Capital in an Organization. Journal of Management, Marketing & Logistics — JMML, 1(4): 311–322.
Kiran V.S., Shanmugam V., Raju R.K., Kanagasabapathy J.R. (2022) Impact of Human Capital Management on Organizational Performance With the Mediation Effect of Human Resource Analytics. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 7(3): 01–27. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2022.v7i3.0667.
Khoruzhy L.I., Khoruzhy V.I., Kubrushko P.F., Karataeva O.G., Bitkova L.A. (2023) Comparative analysis of human capital management strategies in the context of digitalization of the national economy. Front. Sociol., 8: 1114301. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1114301.
Kucharčíková A. (2013) Managerial approaches to understanding the human capital. Human Resources Management & Ergonomics, 7(1): 33–44.
Lepak D.P., Snell S.A. (1999) The Human Resource Architecture: Toward a Theory of Human Capital Allocation and Development. The Academy of Management Review, 24(1): 31–48. https://doi.org/10.2307/259035.
Lepak D.P., Snell S.A. (2002) Examining the Human Resource Architecture: The Relationships among Human Capital, Employment, and Human Resource Configurations. Journal of Management, 28: 517–543. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920630202800403.
Marrewijk M., Timmers J. (2003) Human Capital Management: New Possibilities in People Management. Journal of Business Ethics, 44(2/3): 171–184. https://doi.org/10.1023/A: 1023347715882.
Micharls E., Handlief-Jones H., Axelrod B. (2001) The war for talent. Boston (MA).
Namasivayam K., Denizci B. (2006). Human capital in service organizations: Identifying value drivers. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 7(3): 381–393. https://doi.org/10.1108/14691930610681465.
Nurullah K., Mustafa K. (2014) Optimal use of human capital in an organization. Journal of Management, Marketing and Logistics, 1(4): 311–322.
Ployhart R.E., Moliterno Th.P. (2011) Emergence of the Human Capital Resource: a Multilevel Model. Academy of Management Review, 36(1): 127–150.
Štaffenová N., Kucharčíková A. (2023) Digitalization in the Human Capital Management. Systems, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11070337.
Article
Received: 26.11.2024
Accepted: 25.03.2025
Citation Formats
Other cite formats:
ACM
[1]
Minina, V.N. 2025. Managing Human Capital of an Organization: Sociological Analysis of Conceptual Approaches. Zhurnal sotsiologii i sotsialnoy antropologii (The Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology). 28, 1 (Mar. 2025), 57–77. DOI:https://doi.org/10.31119/jssa.2025.28.1.3.
Section
Sociology of Labour
" />
