Explaining The Performance Of Human Resource Management

Human resource departments increasingly use the statistical analysis of performance indicators as a way of demonstrating their contribution to organisational performance. In this book, Steve Fleetwood and Anthony Hesketh take issue with this 'scientific' approach by arguing that its preoccupation with statistical analysis is misplaced because it fails to take account of the complexities of organisations and the full range of issues that influence individual performance. The book is split into three parts. Part I deconstructs research into the alleged link between people and business performance by showing that it cannot explain the associations it alleges. Part II attributes these shortcomings to the importation of spurious 'scientific' methods, before going on to suggest more appropriate methods that might be used in future. Finally, Part III explores how HR executives and professionals understand their work and shows how a critical realist stance adds value to this understanding through enhanced explanation.

Human resource departments increasingly use the statistical analysis of performance indicators as a way of demonstrating their contribution to organizational performance. In this book, Steve Fleetwood and Anthony Hesketh take issue with this 'scientific' approach by arguing that its preoccupation with statistical analysis is misplaced because it fails to take account of the complexities of organizations and the full range of issues that influence individual performance. The book is split into three parts. Part I deconstructs research into the alleged link between people and business performance by showing that it cannot explain the associations it alleges. Part II attributes these shortcomings to the importation of spurious 'scientific' methods, before going on to suggest more appropriate methods that might be used in future. Finally, Part III explores how HR executives and professionals understand their work and shows how a critical realist stance adds value to this understanding through enhanced explanation.

This book challenges the widely held view that we can scientifically measure the link between human resource management and organizational performance.

The link between HRM and performance has become an important policy issue at both a national and a corporate level. HRM and Performance draws on the knowledge and expertise of a number of leading international scholars in the field of HRM to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of HRM and identify fruitful directions for theory, research and practice. A central question throughout is - what's next for HRM and what are the keys to the future of managing people and performance?

This exciting new book has grown from a need to provide practical advice to managers who deal with contemporary human resource and change issues. A crucial role of a manager is to respond in the best interests of the organisation and at the same time retain talent. Skill shortages and ageing populations in developed economies and the need for emerging economies to develop their workforce coincide to present managers with unique challenges. Human Resource Management and Change: A practising managers guide offers a timely overview of recent environmental and economic changes as depicted by the DELTA forces of change. These include demographic, environmental, legal, technical and attitudinal changes that are in part the product of globalization, and the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The fundamental strategies for managing change and implementing human resource practices are clearly explained. End of chapter study guides further explain the topics of the chapters by providing case studies and review and discussion questions as well as further reading. The text reflects the everyday challenge managers face in a turbulent environment and focuses on providing practical guidelines to managers who may not have higher academic qualifications to help them manage people and change.

* An accessible introduction to the key debates in human resource management * A fresh critique of taken-for-granted assumptions underpinning HRM * A pointer to future directions in HRM Ken Kamoche critically examines contemporary issues in the management of people. He reviews some of the significant themes that have shaped HRM as it has emerged during the course of the last century. The book identifies the definitive role of the tension between the drive for organizational performance and the 'humanization' of work. It argues, however, that our understanding of both strands is inadequate and poorly researched, leading to an incomplete picture of the dynamics of managing people. Understanding Human Resource Management also examines the relevance of such contemporary debates as the resource-based view, appropriation and globalization, and explores how researchers and practitioners can now move towards a more viable conception of HRM. '...excellent coverage of the essential areas in human resource management today: contemporary human resource management, strategic HRM, and international HRM...a very readable and concise treatment...it is easy to highly recommend this book.' Professor Randall S. Schuler, Rutgers University 'At last a genuinely original new book on HRM that deals with the concerns of the 21st rather than the last century. Ken Kamoche unpacks some fascinating ideas about appropriation, the "community concept" and facilitating resourcefulness. He is to be congratulated on a real tour de force. A book not to be missed by anyone taking a critical perspective on HRM.' Professor Karen Legge, University of Warwick

Human Resource Management in Small Business fills a gap in our understanding of economic performance. Small businesses are more numerous, have more employees, and contribute more to the economies of nations throughout the world than do large organizations. This book examines a range of issues, including the significance of human resource management (HRM) practices to small business success, the management of work hours and work stressors, work and family issues, succession planning, employee recruitment and selection, and managing staff. It also explores how individuals develop HRM skills, and learn from their own and others? experiences. The role of HRM practices in successful small businesses is illustrated through a range of case studies. Including contributors who are internationally recognized academics from a range of countries; this book will prove to be an essential resource for postgraduate students and academics in management. Professional managers and owners in SMEs will also discover great insights from this admirable book.