Star performers: strategy with a few grains of salt

Abstract Researchers are advocating a star performer strategy as a way for human resource professionals to deliver value to their employers. I highlight four concerns (four grains of salt) about applying a star performer strategy. As organizations redesign their workplaces and work policies in the wake of COVID-19, academic researchers have a responsibility to make human resource professionals aware of the risks associated with a star performer strategy. A star performer emphasis might be better viewed as a short-term course correction than a long-term human resource strategy.