Strategic Human Resource Management in Startups: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Growth in Emerging Asian Economics

Authors

  • Sreejana Saha Assistant Professor (Selection Grade), Department of Management, Shri Ramasamy Memorial University Sikkim Author
  • Dr. Alok Kumar Bhargava Founder and Principal Researcher, TrayiVani Foundation, India Author
  • Dr Ashutosh Goswami Associate Professor, Satyawati College (Day), University of Delhi, Management Author
  • Akshay Peter Assistant professor, Department Of Applied Economics Author
  • Bhagiratha Sena Student, Department of Economics, Banaras Hindu University Author
  • Dr. Kashmira Mathur Assistant Professor, DPG Degree College, Department of Management Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66635/hwys9767

Keywords:

Strategic Human Resource Management, Startups, Entrepreneurial Growth, Employee Attrition, Emerging Asian Economies

Abstract

This study examines Strategic Human Resource Management as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth among startups in emerging Asian economies. The study focuses on two major dimensions: startup growth and human resource management effectiveness. Startup growth is examined through funding trends, investment amount, industry distribution, city-wise activity, and investment type, while SHRM effectiveness is analyzed through employee attrition, job satisfaction, work-life balance, overtime, training, income, job involvement, performance, and organizational stability. A quantitative analytical approach is applied to identify patterns and relationships between entrepreneurial development and employee-related factors. The findings show that startup funding activity fluctuated from 2020 to 2025, with variations in both total funding value and the number of investment deals. The results also indicate that employee attrition is strongly associated with overtime, low job satisfaction, poor work-life balance, limited engagement, and lower income. These findings suggest that although funding supports startup expansion, sustainable entrepreneurial growth depends heavily on the effective management of human capital. Strategic HRM practices such as workload management, employee retention, fair compensation, training and development, supportive leadership, and work-life balance can strengthen workforce stability and improve organizational performance. The study concludes that SHRM should be treated as a strategic growth mechanism rather than an administrative function. It contributes to entrepreneurship and HRM literature by linking human capital management with sustainable startup development in emerging Asian economies.

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Published

2026-07-10

How to Cite

Strategic Human Resource Management in Startups: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Growth in Emerging Asian Economics. (2026). Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, 22(06), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.66635/hwys9767