The concept of HR 4.0: A literature review

Objective: The article aims to identify the degree of interest and consider HR 4.0 issues in scientific research. This approach enables the analysis of the existing body of work to prepare for future empirical research by gathering relevant resources of knowledge available on this subject, as well as by varying research directions. Research Design & Methods: The study adopted formal approaches and systematic methods to locate, select, evaluate, summarise, and report the references collected in a literature review. Articles were analysed using the VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19), which is a tool used to construct and visualise bibliometric networks. Findings: The concept of HR 4.0 forms a separate cluster directly related to the concept of Industry 4.0, and only through this path is it shaped by other semantic determinants. This indicates a lack of detailed analysis of the concept and thus probably of the entire concept itself. In the future, from the perspective of the HR 4.0 concept, the HR function will implement specific tools, such as cybernetic influences, digitalisation of human resource management (HRM), remote HRM, human – machine interface skills, human – strategic organisational links, and human – technology interface competences. Implications & Recommendations: To date, researchers have focused on technological tools supporting human resource management processes, hence, most references have been identified with the concept of e-HRM. On the other hand, if we take the concept of Industry 4.0 as a starting point, then based on its consequences, it will also be possible in the future to analyse the relationship between the HR function and Industry 5.0. Contribution & Value Added: There is a wide cognitive gap in the research on the concept of HR 4.0, and the information obtained from research places humans at the centre of Industry 4.0 alongside technology and organisation.