Human resource management: when research confronts theory

TY - JOUR

T1 - Human resource management: when research confronts theory

AU - Guest, D E

PY - 2001/11

Y1 - 2001/11

N2 - Research exploring the relationship between human resource management (HRM) and outcomes such as corporate performance encounters a range of significant practical difficulties. Using two surveys as illustrative cases, this paper examines the practical challenges of operationalizing and measuring HRM, measuring the various outcomes and assessing the relationship between HRM and corporate performance. Despite the problems, it is suggested that significant progress has been made. While possible solutions to some of the problems are put forward, it is argued that a key requirement remains more clearly specified theory, particularly theory about the nature of HRM.

AB - Research exploring the relationship between human resource management (HRM) and outcomes such as corporate performance encounters a range of significant practical difficulties. Using two surveys as illustrative cases, this paper examines the practical challenges of operationalizing and measuring HRM, measuring the various outcomes and assessing the relationship between HRM and corporate performance. Despite the problems, it is suggested that significant progress has been made. While possible solutions to some of the problems are put forward, it is argued that a key requirement remains more clearly specified theory, particularly theory about the nature of HRM.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0038342186&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/09585190110067837

DO - 10.1080/09585190110067837

M3 - Article

VL - 12

SP - 1092

EP - 1106

JO - International Journal of Human Resource Management

JF - International Journal of Human Resource Management

IS - 7

ER -