Human Resource Management and the Institutional Perspective

This volume brings together the literature on comparative capitalism with that on comparative HRM. Founded on rigorous cross national survey evidence, it explores differences and similarities in key areas of work and employment relations within and between regions and countries. Much of the literature on comparative capitalism to date has focused on common trends and persistent diversity in corporate governance (c.f. Hall and Soskice 2001); in contrast, our book focuses on intra-firm relations, interrogating and building on existing theoretical predictions of defining similarities and difference (c.f. Amable 2003; Whitley 1999). It further goes on to explore the nature and extent of internal diversity within specific varieties of capitalism, and the uneven and experimental nature of systemic change.

The book differs from the existing literature on comparative capitalism in view of the nature and extent of empirical evidence brought to bear. It differs from much of the literature on comparative capitalism, in view of the very much greater theoretical rigour. As such, it will be of interest to those with an interest in contemporary developments and extensions of institutional theory, in the relationship between regulation and practice, and in innovation and continuity in HRM.

Geoffrey Wood is a Professor of Human Resource Management at The University of Sheffield, UK

Christopher Brewster is a Professor of Human Resource Management at The University of Reading, UK

Michael Brookes is a Lecturer in Economics in the Department of Economics and Statistics, at Middlesex University, UK

Richard Croucher is the Associate Dean for Research in the Business Department at Middlesex University, UK