The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between HR activities of SMEs(small and medium enterprises) and their credit ratings measured by Korea Investors Service, Inc. in 2005. This study carries out investigative data analysis and correlation analysis between credit rating and HR(Human resource) activities, including HRDI (Human resource development index) and HRMI (Human resources management index). Statistical significance of variables is checked using regression analysis. For data mining, the decision tree analysis is used to identify the HR factors that influence credit ratings of SMEs.
The results of this study show that HRI, HRDI and HRMI are correlated with the credit ratings of SMEs with statistical significance. Decision tree analysis indicates that the probability of SMEs having a satisfactory credit rating is 69.0% if they score 13.6 points or above in compensation and incentive areas, 90 points or above in employee relationship, and 25 points in individual development. The result implies that it will be more effective for SMEs to invest in HR activities in the areas of compensation and incentives, employee relationship, and individual development of employees.