Human capital pipelines – antecedents and consequences

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the concept of human capital pipelines and explain how pipelines originate and the consequences of pipeline-based hiring in terms of labor market uncertainty, job embeddedness, social ties, homosocial reproduction, employee referrals and turnover intent. Design/methodology/approach The author provides a viewpoint grounded on a review of recent research regarding human capital pipelines. Findings This paper aims at further developing our understanding of human capital pipelines and the implications of such practices. The author points out both the positive and negative aspects of pipeline-based hiring, with the hope that human resource practitioners and mangers will adopt such practices based on the organization’s strategic needs. Originality/value To date, very little conceptual and/or empirical work has been carried out on pipeline-based hiring. In organizations, it is important to understand how repeated hiring from labor sources can reduce labor market uncertainty regarding a job seeker’s quality and potential productivity. However, it is also crucial to appreciate that such practices may have important pre and posthire implications for organizations and employees alike.