PhD Defence Jorrit van Mierlo

unravelling the dynamics of hrm implementation - a process perspective

Jorrit van Mierlo is a PhD student in the research group Human Resource Management. His supervisor is prof.dr. T. Bondarouk from the faculty Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS).

During the HRM implementation process, HRM practices evolve from an idea or goal into a working instrument, often aimed at enhancing the contribution of organisational actors to their organisation. Even though efficient HRM implementation is seen as a vital step for making HRM practices contribute to performance, little research has been done into the dynamics that occur during their implementation.  Therefore, in this dissertation, a process perspective is used to study the dynamics that take place during the HRM implementation process, as well as the roles that organisational actors play in this process.

The theoretical insights and empirical findings which are discussed in this dissertation demonstrate that during their implementation process, HRM practices continue to develop. At the moment of taking the decision to adopt a new HRM practice, it is rather an anticipated one, instead of an end product. During the dynamic HRM implementation process, HRM practices evolve into an orchestrated version which is in line with the ideas, interests and routines of organisational stakeholders. Rather than seeing this process as an unwanted effect of the involvement of a large number of stakeholders in HRM implementation, I argue it is a necessary element which can contribute to the creation of a supported, fitting and sustainable HRM practice.