Human Resource Management Competencies among Managers of Small And Medium Enterprises In Tangub City, Philippines

Abstract

This study assesses the Human Resource Management (HRM) competencies of small and medium enterprise (SME) managers in Tangub City, Philippines, focusing on five key HRM areas: training and evaluation, career planning and development, reward schemes, recruitment and selection, and appraisal systems. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 275 employees and qualitative interviews with 10 participants. The findings reveal significant gaps in HRM competencies, particularly in training and evaluation and career planning, with managers showing a lack of proficiency in these critical areas. These deficiencies are attributed to limited resources, insufficient training, and the managerial overload commonly faced by SME leaders. The study concludes that for SMEs to improve HRM practices and employee satisfaction, managers must pursue targeted training and advanced educational opportunities. This research contributes new insights into the HRM challenges faced by SMEs in developing economies and offers practical recommendations for improving managerial competencies through structured training programs and academic development. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, educational institutions, and future researchers aiming to enhance HRM practices in SMEs.