Cook, H, Mackenzie, R and Forde, C (2016) HRM and Performance: The vulnerability of soft HRM practices during recession and retrenchment. Human Resource Management Journal, 26 (4). pp. 557-571. ISSN 0954-5395
Abstract
This multi-method case explores how change in HRM implementation can impact performance metrics in a recessionary climate. Qualitative HR outcome data are mapped against financial metrics to explore adoption of hard-line HRM practices in a major UK retailer. Despite record profits throughout the recession, the organisation responded strategically to worsening conditions in the labour market, firstly to maintain operational flexibility, but then to opportunistically enlarge jobs and intensify work to help achieve immediate gains in financial metrics, including a gain of 37% in profit per employee over 3 years. These gains were achieved by derailing commitment-based approaches to HRM, pointing towards the vulnerability of soft HRM systems during times of austerity or retrenchment.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Cook, H., MacKenzie, R. and Forde, C. (2016). HRM and performance: the vulnerability of soft HRM practices during recession and retrenchment. Human Resource Management Journal, 26(4), 557–571, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12122. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. |
Keywords: | Financial Performance; Retail; Recession; Commitment |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Business (Leeds) > Work and Employment Relation Division (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 25 Aug 2016 15:04 |
Last Modified: | 20 Nov 2018 01:38 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12122 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/1748-8583.12122 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:104042 |