ESC

Clarivate

JCR Category: Business in ESCI edition

Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues Open access
Journal Impact FactorTM (2025) 1.5 Q3
Journal Citation IndicatorTM (2025) 0.25 Q4
Received: 2026-01-18  |  Accepted: 2026-03-27  |  Published: 2026-06-30

Title

Structural patterns of human resource development practices in Slovak organizations


Abstract

This study examines the key factors shaping employee learning and development in Slovak organizations, focusing on the strategic and systemic orientation of Human Resource Development (HRD). A quantitative CAWI survey was conducted among 153 Slovak organizations. Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation was used to identify core dimensions of employee development practices. Three main dimensions were identified: individual support through coaching and digital learning, formal talent management systems, and experiential career mobility. A dominant latent factor reflects an integrated, systematic, and flexible HRD approach. The choice of development tools is influenced by organizational size, sector, culture, and workforce demographics, including generational diversity and neurodiversity. Slovak organizations favor personalized and digitally supported development over isolated or short-term training. The study offers original empirical evidence from Slovakia and contributes to HRD research by linking integrated development systems with organizational change and global HRD trends. Managers are encouraged to implement long-term, integrated HRD frameworks that combine individualized learning, formal talent management, and experiential development while addressing workforce diversity and digitalization. The findings are limited by the sample size and national focus; future research should apply longitudinal and cross country approaches to assess HRD effectiveness and outcomes.


Keywords

employee development, neurodiversity, HRD, Slovak organizations, survey, talent management, digital learning, career mobility, workforce strategies, strategic HRM


JEL classifications

M12 , M53 , J24


URI

http://jssidoi.org/jesi/article/6650


DOI


Pages

215-231


Funding

This article is supported by the international project No. 4/2023-M, “The meaning and application of social responsibility in selected companies”.

This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors

Urbancová, Hana
Prague University of Economics and Business, Prague, Czech Republic https://www.vse.cz
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Madzík, Peter
Technical University of Liberec, Liberec, Czech Republic https://www.tul.cz
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Vrabcová, Pavla
Technical University of Liberec, Liberec, Czech Republic https://www.tul.cz
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Stachová, Katarína
Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Trenčín, Slovakia https://tnuni.sk
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Stacho, Zdenko
Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Trenčín, Slovakia https://tnuni.sk
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Journal title

Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues

Volume

13


Number

4


Issue date

June 2026


Issue DOI


ISSN

ISSN 2345-0282 (online)


Publisher

VšĮ Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited

Google Scholar

Article views & downloads

HTML views: 308  |  PDF downloads: 273

References


Adams, N. (2025). Coaching, mentoring, volunteering and work - what works and what doesn't. International Journal of Human Resource Development: Practice, Policy and Research, 9(1), 46-52 https://doi.org/10.2478/ijhrd-2025-0005

Search via ReFindit


Ahmad, W., Azam, T., Zaman, H. M. F., & et al. (2023). Faculty members' perception of learning organization: A case of higher education institutions. SAGE Open, 13(1) https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231154409

Search via ReFindit


Alumran, A., Alshahrani, B., Alshakhs, F., & et al. (2025). Explainable machine learning for predicting hospital employees' quality of life using psychosocial work environment data. Frontiers in Public Health, 13 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529802

Search via ReFindit


Arias, J. I. O., & Morales, O. L. A. (2023). Organizational culture for innovation: A case study involving a university faculty. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 14(4), 4675-4706 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-01069-9

Search via ReFindit


Barach, J. (2025). A scoping review of the impacts of organizational culture on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. International Conference on Research in Human Resource Management, 1(1), 11-34 https://doi.org/10.33422/icrhrm.v1i1.740

Search via ReFindit


Barhate, B., Winton, B. G., & Funderburk, C. M. (2024). The mediating role of career resilience on Gen Z's emotional intelligence and career outcomes. European Journal of Training and Development, 49(56), 475-492 https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-01-2024-0014

Search via ReFindit


Begum, M. A., & Swamy, T. N. V. R. L. (2025). Green transformational leadership and sustainable business performance: The mediating role of organizational innovation capabilities and green self-efficacy. Human Resource Development International. Advance online publication https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2025.2560485

Search via ReFindit


Berg, A. K., Schulte, E. M., Schultz, A. et al. (2023). Designing and evaluating transformation processes: Impact models as an approach to integrate strategic personnel development with organizational development. Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Organisationspsychologie, 54(3), 371-389 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11612-023-00695-4

Search via ReFindit


Bhatti, S. M., Al Mamun, A., Wu, M. et al. (2023). Modeling the significance of green orientation and culture on green innovation performance: Moderating effect of firm size and green implementation. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(44), 99855-99874 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-29353-4

Search via ReFindit


Black, I., Hasan, S., Shibuya, Y., & Zhu, M. K. (2025). The aging firm. Research in Organizational Behavior, 45, 100220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2025.100220

Search via ReFindit


Burhan, Q, & Khan, M. A. (2025). Unveiling the empowering elixir: exploring the impact of HEXACO traits on leadership and their ripple effect on employee engagement and creative performance. European Journal of Training and Development, 49(7-8), 768-787 https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-08-2024-0107

Search via ReFindit


Bury, S. M., Spoor, J. R., Hayward, S. M., & Hedley, D. (2023). Supporting the mental health and well-being of autistic and other neurodivergent employees in the work environment. In S. M. Bruyère & A. Colella (Eds.), Neurodiversity in the workplace: Interests, issues, and opportunities (241-266). Routledge https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003023616-10

Search via ReFindit


Cherrington, M. (2024). Future-Focused Organisations and Neurodiverse Learners. Learning & Teaching, 13. https://doi.org/10.34074/scop.4013004

Search via ReFindit


Coculova, J. & Svetozarovova, N. (2024). Workforce training and development: A comparative analysis of skill demand in Slovak companies. IBIMA Business Review, 426373 https://doi.org/10.5171/2024.426373

Search via ReFindit


Fenech, R., Abdulla, A., Zairi, A., Kinsella, K., & Misra, A. (2024). Culture of Excellence in Academia in the UAE: A Model of Transformational Leadership and Leadership Development. Journal of Research on Leadership Education, 19(3), 369-387 https://doi.org/10.1177/19427751231188388

Search via ReFindit


Ferreira, N. C. M. Q. F., & Ferreira, J. J. M. (2025). Enhancing sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs: A multi-criteria analysis of internal initiatives and their causal relationships. Annals of Operations Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-024-06445-z

Search via ReFindit


Fu, Q., & Tan, J. S. (2025). Interplay between leadership style and innovative work behavior: Mediated by innovation-oriented people management. International Journal of Innovation Science. Advance online publication https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-03-2025-0104

Search via ReFindit


Gerpott, F. H., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N., Wenzel, R., & Voelpel, S. C. (2019). Age diversity and learning outcomes in organizational training groups: the role of knowledge sharing and psychological safety. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(18), 3777-3804 https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2019.1640763

Search via ReFindit


Gonçalves, K. Y., Braghini, Junior A, Silva, D. S., & Lermen, F. H. (2025). Knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAO) for startup management: A comprehensive review of barriers, strategies and a research agenda. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 19(5), 1227-1254 https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-11-2024-0232

Search via ReFindit


Gottardello, D., Calvard, T., & Song, J.-W. (2025), When Neurodiversity and Ethnicity Combine: Intersectional Stereotyping and Workplace Experiences of Neurodivergent Ethnic Minority Employees. Hum Resour Manage, 64, 841-859 https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22286

Search via ReFindit


Gottardello, D., Calvard, T., & Song, J.-W. (2025). When Neurodiversity and Ethnicity Combine: Intersectional Stereotyping and Workplace Experiences of Neurodivergent Ethnic Minority Employees. Hum Resour Manage, 64, 841-859 https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22286

Search via ReFindit


Greer, T. W. (2024). Transforming workplace diversity and HRD: Towards a critical HRD framework for radical intentionality. Human Resource Development International, 27(5), 672-686 https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2024.2408498

Search via ReFindit


Gross-Gołacka, E. (2024). Globalisation and the Challenges of Managing Cultural Diversity: From Multiculturalism to Interculturalism. Journal of Intercultural Management, 16(2), 5-20 https://doi.org/10.2478/joim-2024-0010

Search via ReFindit


Gross-Gołacka, E., Kusterka-Jefmańska, M., Jefmański, B., Kupczyk, T., & Warwas, I. (2022). Diversity management in organizations - the measuring of the benefits: Visegrad Group (V4) countries perspective. Proceedings of the 55th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 5607-5616 https://doi.org/10.24251/HICSS.2022.684

Search via ReFindit


Havierniková, K., Hunková, L., Skačkauskienė, I. & Navickas, V. (2025). Key HRDM factors enhancing SMEs' performance. Journal of Business Economics and Management, 26(2), 359-377 https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2025.23634

Search via ReFindit


Horlin, C., Le Cunff, Y., & Jones, M. (2024). Cognitive load and neurodiversity in online education: a preliminary framework. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1437673 https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1437673

Search via ReFindit


Hughes, C. (2019). Valuing Independent Thought Within Cultural Groups in the Workplace. In: Workforce Inter-Personnel Diversity. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03433-7_5

Search via ReFindit


Jansen, A. (2025). The demographic and occupational factors' influence over the development accessed solutions. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 19(1), 761-772 https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2025-0061

Search via ReFindit


Kareem, J., Patrick, H. A., & Prabakaran, N. (2025). Exploring the factors of learning organization in school education: The role of leadership styles, personal commitment, and organizational culture. Central European Management Journal, 33(2), 232-251. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1329147

Search via ReFindit


Khushk, A., Zhiying, L., Yi, X., & Aman, N. (2026). AI-driven HR transformation in Chinese automotive industry: strategies and implications. Business Process Management Journal, 32(1), 30-50 https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2023-0915

Search via ReFindit


Kicir, G. K., & Altunoglu, A. (2024). The investigation of organizational culture elements and typologies in a giga open university: Anadolu University Open Education Faculty 40th year research. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 25(2), 38-58. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1329147

Search via ReFindit


Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607-610 https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447003000308

Search via ReFindit


Lee, S. & Han, S. H. C. (2024). Knowledge sharing as a cornerstone for sustainability: The dual mediating roles of job engagement and meaningful work. European Journal of Training and Development, 49(56), 647-669 https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-08-2024-0125

Search via ReFindit


Leuhery, F., Salu Padang, N., Karyono, K., Puspitasari, D., & Judijanto, L. (2024). Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Effective Implementation and Benefits to Organizational Culture. Dinasti International Journal of Economics, Finance & Accounting, 5(4), 4647-4653 https://doi.org/10.38035/dijefa.v5i4.3373

Search via ReFindit


Lorincova, S., Miklosik, A., & Hitka, M. (2022). The role of corporate culture in economic development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 28(1), 220-238 https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2021.15983

Search via ReFindit


Megawaty, M., Reviane, I. T. A., Rosanti, N., Bahar, B., & Kausar, A. (2025). Adapting learning agility tools to enhance organisational agility among female workers in South Sulawesi. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 23, 1-15 https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2864

Search via ReFindit


Melaletsa, M., Bussin, M., & Barkhuizen, E. N. (2023). Employee perceptions of organisational design interventions in the public sector. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 21, 1-12 https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v21i0.2145

Search via ReFindit


Park, S., Kim, H. K., Lee, H. J., Choi, M., Lee, M., & Jakovljevic, M. (2023). Strategic management and organizational culture of medical device companies in relation to corporate performance. Journal of Medical Economics, 26(1), 781–792 https://doi.org/10.1080/13696998.2023.2224168

Search via ReFindit


Parthasarathy, K., Ayyadurai, R., Panga, N.K.R. et al. (2025). Enhancing the emotional intelligence for business and work-life balance using fuzzy logic adaptive model of emotions. SOCA https://doi.org/10.1007/s11761-025-00450-1

Search via ReFindit


Pathomphatthaphan, S., Das, S., & Jena, L. K. (2024). Agile SHRM practices and employee-organisational outcomes during new normal: Evidence from India and Thailand. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 11(2), 347-374 https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-07-2023-0288

Search via ReFindit


Piwowar Sulej, K., Blštáková, J., Ližbetinová, L. & Zagorsek, B. (2024). The impact of digitalization on employees' future competencies: Has human resource development a conditional role here? Journal of Organizational Change Management, 37(8), 36-52 https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-10-2023-0426

Search via ReFindit


Seo, J., Leach, R. & Lee, S. (2024). Learning opportunity as a critical attribute to attract employees in the context of startups: A text mining approach. European Journal of Training and Development, 49(56), 63646 https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-04-2024-0051

Search via ReFindit


Sirk, M. (2025). Self-regulated learning skills in vocational students based on their self-evaluation. International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training, 12(1), 76-100 https://doi.org/10.13152/IJRVET.12.1.4

Search via ReFindit


Smith, H. (2025). Using diverse perspectives to evolve a higher education coaching programme. International Journal of Human Resource Development: Practice, Policy and Research, 9(1), 31-45 https://doi.org/10.2478/ijhrd-2025-0004

Search via ReFindit


Sniderman, B., Buffi, T., Holdowsky, J., & Buckley, N. (2024). Building a neuroinclusive workplace. Deloitte Insights https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/value-of-diversity-and-inclusion/creating-neuroinclusive-workplace.html

Search via ReFindit


Stachová, K., Papula, J., Stacho, Z., & Kohnová, L. (2019). External partnerships in employee education and development as the key to facing Industry 4.0 challenges. Sustainability, 11(2), 345 https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020345

Search via ReFindit


Štaffenová, N., & Kucharčíková, A. (2024). Human capital management – values, competencies, and motivation – concerning Industry 4.0. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 37(1) https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2024.2324160

Search via ReFindit


Tadesse Bogale, A., & Debela, K. L. (2024). Organizational culture: A systematic review. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1), 2340129 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2340129

Search via ReFindit


Talwar, S., Alshaghdali, N., & Singhal, A. B. (2025). Managing human-AI tensions in HRM: A learning approach to identify practical AI integration pathways. Journal of Enterprise Information Management. Advance online publication https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-03-2025-0139

Search via ReFindit


Urbancová, H., Madzík, P., Vrabcová, P., & Řehoř, M. (2024). Navigating the Age Mosaic of Employees: Unveiling Insights into Age Diversity Strategies in Modern Workplaces. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1) https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2402509

Search via ReFindit


Vrabcová, P., & Urbancová, H. (2022). Holistic human resource management as a tool for the intergenerational cooperation and sustainable business. Agricultural Economics/Zemědělská Ekonomika, 68(4) https://doi.org/10.17221/399/2021-AGRICECON

Search via ReFindit


Vu, T. A., Plimmer, G., & Berman, E. (2025). HR competence in the public sector: Antecedents and outcomes. Personnel Review, 54(2), 613-635 https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-04-2024-0333

Search via ReFindit