Ferner, Anthony, Tregaskis, Olga, Edwards, P. K. (Paul K.), Edwards, Tony, 1968-, Marginson, Paul, Adam, Duncan and Meyer, Michael. (2011) HRM structures and subsidiary discretion in foreign multinationals in the UK. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Volume 22 (Number 3). pp. 483-509. ISSN 0958-5192

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Abstract

This article uses a large-scale representative survey to examine a key aspect of control in multinational companies (MNCs): the extent of central influence over human resource (HR) policy formation in subsidiaries. This is a crucial aspect of behaviour, relevant for example for the cross-border diffusion of policies and practices and for the institutional distinctiveness of practice within a given host environment. The article assesses how far policy is determined by corporate headquarters or some other higher-level organizational structure. Its novelty lies primarily in its exploration of the influence of the structure of the HR management (HRM) function on subsidiary discretion. It finds, first, that the degree of central control is influenced for different HR issues by nationality of ownership and by international product/service standardization. Second, there is some variability in the antecedents associated with discretion on different HR issues. Finally, aspects of the structure of the HRM function significantly affect discretion, notably the networking of HR managers across borders and the direct reporting relationships within the function between the UK and higher organizational levels.

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Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	International business enterprises -- Personnel management -- Great Britain, Subsidiary corporations, Foreign subsidiaries -- Great Britain
Journal or Publication Title:	The International Journal of Human Resource Management
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	0958-5192
Date:	2011
Volume:	Volume 22
Number:	Number 3
Page Range:	pp. 483-509
Identification Number:	10.1080/09585192.2011.543628
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	RES-000-23-0305 (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/41356

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