Non-standard working time: an international and comparative analysis

This paper uses the large-scale Cranet data to explore the extent of non-standard working time (NSWT) across Europe and to highlight the contrasts and similarities between two different varieties of capitalism (coordinated market economies and liberal market economies). We explore variations in the extent of different forms of NSWT (overtime, shift working and weekend working) within these two different forms of capitalism, controlling for firm size, sector and the extent of employee voice. Overall, there was no strong link between the variety of capitalism and the use of overtime and weekend working though shift working showed a clear distinction between the two varieties of capitalism. Usage of NSWT in some service sectors was particularly high under both forms of capitalism and service sector activities had a particularly marked influence on the use of overtime in liberal market economies. Surprisingly, strong employee voice was associated with greater use of NSWT.

Managing the duality of IHRM: unravelling the strategy and perceptions of key actors in South Korean MNCs

This research aims to extend our understanding of the duality between global integration and local responsiveness in multinational corporations (MNCs) by exploring the perceptions of corporate HR actors regarding the intra-organisational factors that alter the balance between these pressures. It examines the perceptions and actions of key actors in the context of two Korean MNCs. The study shows the importance attributed to a range of socio-procedural factors by corporate actors and which, therefore, inform the practical management of the dual forces, notably: HR expertise, social ties, trustworthy relationships and co-involvement in decision processes.

Direct involvement, partnership and setting: a study in bounded diversity

This paper brings a comparative aspect to the analysis of direct involvement as the foundation for partnership. It considers how various forms of direct involvement can represent components of a broader partnership paradigm of people management, or a limited shallow partnership concession to facilitate the diffusion of top-down human resource management policies. Through the use of survey evidence, we explore the settings in which involvement is more likely to be encountered. Contrary to predictions in much of the literature as to their universal applicability, we found that they tended to be concentrated in specific locales, organisational types and sectors, as part and parcel of wider cooperative production paradigms; in practical terms, if involvement is a prerequisite for meaningful partnership, then the latter is more likely to be encountered in more coordinated varieties of capitalism. This does not suggest, however, that ‘shallow’ or instrumentalist partnerships do not occur, or that in infertile ground genuine partnerships are not possible. On one hand, national variations encountered were broadly on the lines of the literature on comparative capitalism. On the other hand, there was much diversity within national settings; we identify the contexts in which such engagement is more or less likely and consider the implications.

Exploring expatriate outcomes

This editorial article introduces this special issue of the International Journal of Human Resource Management devoted to the outcomes of expatriate assignments. We set the topic in context. We start by summarizing the traditional view on expatriate outcomes. We then argue that recent developments in the field suggest the need to build a more sophisticated and complex analysis on the topic that incorporates different perspectives (e.g. the organization, the expatriate, their co-workers and their families) and additional types of international experiences and organizations. We then present some difficulties in developing such an analysis. Specifically, using a new typology of complementary relationships among outcomes (i.e. temporal, among-group and among-outcome consistencies), we point out some complications to achieve those relationships. We conclude by introducing the papers in the special edition that all in some way aim to contribute to our understanding of expatriate outcomes.

Industrial relations in South-Eastern Europe: disaggregating the contexts

This study critically evaluates industrial relations (IR) in South-Eastern Europe and points towards future practical and research-oriented opportunities in the region. A survey of organizational policies and practices has been used to explore the state of IR in both private and public organizations in this region. Specifically, the data, collected in 2009–2010 (including the latest changes due to the economic crisis), cover 840 different organizations located in Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus. We discuss the development of ‘regional-specific’ IR policies, the ‘importing’ of varieties of capitalism models, the diffusion of the European Union social model and the role of foreign MNCs in changing IR in the region.

Reframing resistance to change: experience from General Motors Poland

This paper describes the successful introduction of a kaizen scheme in a General Motors factory plant in Gliwice, Poland. Employee value systems changed, despite the presence of strong, pre-existing values that might have inhibited this process. These findings are drawn on to examine the concept of ‘resistance to change’ and replace it with a notion of ‘functional persistence’. Our case study illustrates how assuming this position can aid the development of new work attitudes, as opposed to constraining the old ones.

A study visit to a vitual company

To integrate study visits to different workplaces in higher education implies important benefits for the course quality. The study visit gives the students a better understanding for the real situations they will meet in working life. However for practical and economical reasons is that not always possible. The purpose of this project is to create a virtual company that shall replace the real one for study visits. The goal is to create a realistic picture and that intended use of it can come as close as possible to a real study visit. It is also important to facilitate linking theory and practice. The virtual company is built up by pictures, videos and text. All material is made available on a web page and when entering the students will meet a layout of the company. From that position is it possible to walk around and look at videos from different workstations. Besides that can they also listen to interviews with managers and representatives of staff as well as reading reports concerning productivity and the work environment. The focus of the study visit is work sciences, therefore the material also include some visualized information about work hazards. On the web page there are also a number of tasks for the students to carry out. Until the autumn 2011, 132 students at Dalarna University have visited and produced reports from the virtual company. They were studying in programs for mechanical engineering, production technicians and human resource management. An evaluation among some ten students showed that the study visit to the virtual company is flexible in time and effective, but that students wish to have even more detailed information about the company. Experiences from four years of use in a number of classes show that the concept is worth further development. Furthermore with production of new material the concept is likely to be applicable for other purposes.

Avaliação de resultados em RH: análise dos métodos propostos na literatura acadêmica

A avaliação de resultados em RH tem sido proposta por diversos autores nos últimos anos. As propostas diferem quanto à forma de mensuração da contribuição da área para o desempenho da organização e quanto ao conteúdo do que se propõe, efetivamente, mensurar. Essas divergências refletem, em grande medida, as premissas adotadas em relação ao papel que a área desempenha (ou deveria desempenhar). Esses métodos de avaliação e mensuração são também alvo de inúmeras críticas (Pfeffer, 1997). Levando-se em conta a diversidade de propostas para a avaliação e mensuração, as observações de Pfeffer (1997) e a escassez de trabalhos sobre o tema na literatura brasileira, este trabalho faz um levantamento e análise das propostas encontradas na literatura para avaliação e mensuração de resultados da área de RH.

Paradoxos organizacionais e mudança: a análise crítica de 3 estudos de caso

Neste relatório apresentaremos a análise crítica do tema Paradoxos Organizacionais e apresentaremos 3 estudos de caso onde pode compreender a aplicação do conceito de paradoxos organizacionais em situações de mudanças organizacionais. Utilizaremos o paradigma da Sociologia Interpretativa em nossas análises, mais especificamente os trabalhos de Peter Berger e Thomas Luckmann e a metodologia Etnográfica para estudo de caso, conforme apresentado no corpo do trabalho.

Comparação do perfil atual da gestão de recursos humanos na grande São Paulo com visão de acadêmicos e profissionais da área

Em 1994 foi realizada uma pesquisa sobre o perfil da gestão de recursos humanos na grande São Paulo. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram uma realidade que contrastava com as teorias divu1gadas. Nos últimos anos intensificaram-se as mudanças organizacionais, e, também os discursos sobre as práticas de gestão de recursos humanos. O objetivo comum deste projeto envolverá a atualização da pesquisa referida. Os objetivos dos projetos individuais aqui apresentados são: 1. comparar o perfil atual da gestão de recursos humanos com a pesquisa realizada anteriormente e 2. comparar o perfil atual da gestão de recursos humanos com a percepção dos acadêmicos e profissionais da área.