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Outsourcing HR Functions. Development of an Explanatory Approach to Firms' (Non-Existent) Demand for Personnel Services

Author

Listed:
  • Dorothea Alewell

    (University of Hamburg, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chair of Business Administration and Human Resource Management)

  • Katrin Baehring

    (Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chair of Business Administration and Human Resource Management)

  • Anne Canis

    (Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chair of Business Administration and Human Resource Management)

  • Sven Hauff

    (University of Hamburg, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chair of Business Administration and Human Resource Management)

  • Kirsten Thommes

    (Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chair of Business Administration and Human Resource Management)

Abstract

This paper develops a comprehensive explanatory approach to the outsourcing of Human Resource (HR) functions and the resulting demand or non-demand for personnel services by companies (e.g., interim management, outplacement services, consulting in the field of HR management). Starting from the deficits of approaches that currently dominate the outsourcing debate (cost accounting approach, transaction cost approach, resource-based view of the firm), a modified and expanded framework to explain outsourcing HR management/functions is presented which includes other theoretical approaches as well. On the one hand, potential costs and benefits of outsourcing HR functions are systematically analysed, incorporating so far neglected aspects. On the other hand, triggers as well as situational and structural factors which potentially influence the outsourcing decision via the perceived alternatives or via the expectations that are formed concerning cost and benefits of outsourcing HR functions are also included in the analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorothea Alewell & Katrin Baehring & Anne Canis & Sven Hauff & Kirsten Thommes, 2007. "Outsourcing HR Functions. Development of an Explanatory Approach to Firms' (Non-Existent) Demand for Personnel Services," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 18(3), pages 271-292.
    • Handle: RePEc:nms:mamere:doi_10.1688/1861-9908_mrev_2007_03_alewell
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    File URL: https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/0935-9915-2007-3-271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Grund, Christian & Minten, Axel & Toporova, Nevena, 2017. "The Motivation of Temporary Agency Workers: An Empirical Analysis," IZA Discussion Papers 11229, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Outsourcing of HR Functions; Personnel Services;

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • J53 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Labor-Management Relations; Industrial Jurisprudence
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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