A conceptual framework for international human resource management research in developing economies. (5th October 2016) - Ayentimi, Desmond Tutu
Abstract : This paper highlights the evolution and contribution of the institutional theory perspective to the study of human resource management (HRM) transfers between advanced economies and less developed economies owing to institutional dissimilarities. The paper seeks to explore the institutional differences between advanced economies (home) and less developed economies (host) through the lens of institutional theory and how such institutional differences constrain or provide opportunities for the transfer of HRM practices. We develop a conceptual framework through the lens of institutional theory to provide useful and comprehensive insight of factors or conditions to consider when transferring HRM practices from advanced economies to less developed economies where there are institutional dissimilarities. The framework offers a broad perspective of the three dimensions of institutional theory to help multinational enterprises evaluate and explore how the differences in institutional settings between home and host countries may create opportunities or constraints in HRM practice transfers. Key points: Our conceptual framework identifies those factors or conditions to consider when multinational enterprises transfer human resource management (HRM) practices from advanced economies to their subsidiaries in less developed economies. The framework is based on institutional theory to evaluate and explore how the differences in institutional configurations between home and host countries may create opportunities or constraints in HRM practice transfers. Institutional theory is significant for international HRM research in that it provides a strong foundation in hypothesizing at both home and host country levels with regards to institutional dissimilarities between developed and less developed countries.