Title: HRM implementation in multinational companies: the dynamics of multifaceted scenarios

Authors: Anna Bos-Nehles; Tanya Bondarouk; Sören Labrenz

Addresses: University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Group, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Group, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Group, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Abstract: This study explores why the subsidiary line managers of multinational companies (MNCs) implement HRM practices differently than intended by headquarters. HRM implementation is understood as a process in which one has to differentiate between a range of multifaceted HRM implementation scenarios. We build on a single case study in a Dutch subsidiary of a US engineering company that we characterised as an extreme case. The analysis comprises in-depth interviews with HRM and line managers and a study of policy documents using multiple iteration cycles with the software ATLAS.ti. Line managers engage in a range of behaviours: they ignore, deviate, imitate, internalise, initiate and/or integrate the delegated practices because they fail to see the value of the content of the practice and the process of execution. The HRM implementation scenarios found, although distinctive, often overlap, evolve or coexist in a dynamic HRM implementation process. We predict a support role for HRM managers in which they facilitate line managers in deviating from intended practices, and initiating new ones, in order to increase the likelihood of successful internalisation and integration.

Keywords: HRM implementation; line management; MNC subsidiary; HRM practices; HRM transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2017.086696

European Journal of International Management, 2017 Vol.11 No.5, pp.515 - 536

Received: 30 Sep 2015
Accepted: 16 Oct 2016
Published online: 20 Sep 2017 *

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