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Human Resource Management in Multinational Enterprises: Evidence From a Late Industrializing Economy

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Listed:
  • Anthony McDonnell

    (Queen’s University Belfast, Management School)

  • Jonathan Lavelle

    (University of Limerick, Kemmy Business School)

  • Patrick Gunnigle

    (University of Limerick, Kemmy Business School)

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which human resource management (HRM) practices in multinational enterprises (MNEs) from a small, late developing and highly globalized economy resemble their counterparts from larger, early industrializing countries. The paper draws on data from a large-scale representative survey of 260 MNEs in Ireland. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences between the HRM practices deployed in Irish-owned MNEs and that of their US counterparts but considerable similarity with UK firms. A key conclusion is that arguments in the literature regarding MNEs moving towards the adoption of global best practices, equating to the pursuance of an American model of HRM, were not obvious. The study found considerable variation from ‘US practices’ amongst indigenous Irish MNEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony McDonnell & Jonathan Lavelle & Patrick Gunnigle, 2014. "Human Resource Management in Multinational Enterprises: Evidence From a Late Industrializing Economy," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 54(3), pages 361-380, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:54:y:2014:i:3:d:10.1007_s11575-014-0202-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-014-0202-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Beatriz Maria Braga & Eduardo Camargo Oliva & Edson Keyso Miranda Kubo & Steve McKenna & Julia Richardson & Terry Wales, 2021. "An Institutional Approach to Ethical Human Resource Management Practice: Comparing Brazil, Colombia and the UK," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 169(1), pages 57-76, February.
    2. Hana Urbancová & Lucie Vnoučková, 2015. "Application Of Talent And Knowledge Management In The Czech And Slovak Republics: First Empirical Approaches," Economic Annals, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, vol. 60(205), pages 105-138, April – J.
    3. Lucie Vnoučková, 2016. "Practices of Talent Management in Organisations in the Czech Republic," Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, Mendel University Press, vol. 64(2), pages 701-709.

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