Theme 1 The blackbox debate

Question 1

What is the central idea of SHRM?

Answer 1

HR practices have a positive impact on company performance

Question 2

What is the SHRM theory?

Answer 2

According to SHRM theory: the more HR practices are implemented, the better the company performance

Question 3

What is the black box debate?

Answer 3

Unclarity on how many steps there are between HRM and performance and what the content of these steps is.

Question 4

Who play a main role in explaining the impact of HR practices on organizational performance according to HRM models?

Answer 4

Employees

Question 5

Explain the resource-based view theory (Barney)

Answer 5

Main assumption: organizations can build a competitive advantage based on resources that are (1) valuable (e.g., capable of delivering superior competitive results), (2) rare (e.g., not easily obtained by competitors), (3) imperfectly imitable/hard to replace

-> provides rational how HR practices effect organizational performance by building a better human resource capital pool and by stimulating better processes within the organization

Question 6

Which three theories dominate the field of HRM?

Answer 6

• Resource based view
• AMO framework
• SHRM process model

Question 7

What are according to the resource-based view the different types of resources that organizations can have?

Answer 7

• Organizational resources (structure, planning)
• Physical resources (buildings and office spaces)
• Human Resources

Question 8

What can a human resource advantage consist of?

Answer 8

• Human capital advantage: exceptional talented workers, whose knowledge, abilities and skills match the strategic needs of the company
• Human processes advantage: presence of difficult to imitate historical processes within the organization, such as a cooperation between people

Question 9

Explain the AMO framework (Appelbaum and Glutes)

Answer 9

Assumes that people perform well when they have the ability, motivation and opportunity to do so

1. Ability: employee possesses the skills and knowledge to perform task -> human capital theory
2. Motivation: employee wants to perform well -> social exchange theory (career opportunities and rewards)
3. Opportunity: employee has the opportunity to perform well (e.g., enabling employee participation in decision making processes)

Question 10

Explain the SHRM process model (Ratinshi)

Answer 10

The model highlights the distinction between HR practices that are intended to implement, the actual implementation and the perception by employees.