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Getting personnel

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  • David A. Spencer

Abstract

This article seeks to critique and transcend the economics of personnel, a new and fast growing area of mainstream labour economics that focuses upon the study of human resources issues. Personnel economics is presented by its founder Edward Lazear as a superior alternative to research in other established fields, including HRM and the sociology of work. It is argued against Lazear that personnel economics offers a limited and flawed conception of work and work relations. The key problem comes with its adoption of mainstream economic concepts and methods that are unsuited to the proper study of work matters. Critical comments are also directed at the ideology as well as the imperialistic intent of personnel economics. Going beyond personnel economics, the article argues for an alternative approach to the integration of economics with work research that encompasses and develops ideas and methods from within the heterodox economics or political economy literature.

Suggested Citation

  • David A. Spencer, 2011. "Getting personnel," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(1), pages 118-131, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:25:y:2011:i:1:p:118-131
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017011401165
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Edward P. Lazear & Kathryn L. Shaw, 2007. "Personnel Economics: The Economist's View of Human Resources," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 21(4), pages 91-114, Fall.
    2. Lazear, Edward P, 2000. "The Future of Personnel Economics," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 110(467), pages 611-639, November.
    3. Ian Clark, 2009. "Owners and managers," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(4), pages 775-786, December.
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