Knowledge Economy Studies

Human Resource Management in Metaverse: An Exploratory Review of the Emerging Literature

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fatemeh Fathi 1
Fatemeh Jamshidi 2

1 Department of Management, Faculty of Financial Sciences, Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Kashan Corresponding Author E-mail: fathi@kashanu.ac.ir

2 Department of Management, Faculty of Financial Sciences, Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Kashan E-mail: fatemeh.jamshidi@gradkashanu.ac.ir

https://doi.org/10.22034/kes.2026.2088688.1108
Abstract
Metaverse, by providing interactive virtual environments, is redefining and creating new spaces for attracting, training, evaluating, and shaping employee experiences in Human Resource Management (HRM). Accordingly, the present study provided a structured review of the emerging literature on HRM in the context of Metaverse and its related technologies. To this end, the study was designed as a systematic search-based review with qualitative content analysis. Relevant studies were identified through searches in Scopus and Web of Science, while SpringerLink and ScienceDirect were additionally consulted. Retrieved studies were screened and selected for final analysis. Data were examined using qualitative content analysis, complemented by descriptive indicators to depict the prevailing trends. Findings indicated that metaverse entails significant implications for HRM across three dimensions of technical, human, and organizational. From a technical perspective, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Digital Twins have contributed to optimizing certain HR processes, while challenges related to cybersecurity and protection of organizational knowledge remain salient. From a human perspective, the literature revealed a duality between increased productivity and the emergence of negative psychosocial outcomes for employees including technostress and digital fatigue. At the organizational level, Metaverse has prompted a rethinking of HR strategies and business models. However, it is accompanied by challenges such as resistance to change and lack of coherent evaluation frameworks. The content analysis showed that the dominant focus of research has been on technical and economic dimensions, with comparatively limited attention to social, ethical, and cultural aspects—reflecting conceptual reductionism. Moreover, several research gaps were identified, including a lack of long-term empirical studies, insufficient consideration of contextual and cultural differences, and the absence of novel organizational models. By presenting an initial conceptual overview of the emerging literature on HRM in Metaverse, this study proposed directions for future research in this field.

Keywords

Human Resource Management (HRM)
Metaverse
Content Analysis
Exploratory Review
Subjects
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Knowledge Economy Studies
Volume 3, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 107-132

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