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Making sense of (mis)matched frames of reference: A dynamic cognitive theory of (in)stability in HR practices

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  • John W. Budd
  • Dionne Pohler
  • Wei Huang

Abstract

By returning to an old insight that frames of reference influence action, we theorize that actors’ frames influence their desired HR practices, and these practices will be stable if managers and employees share similar frames. When actors’ frames are mismatched, however, HR practices can violate employee expectations and trigger a sensemaking process, potentially leading to framing contests and conflict. We hypothesize predicted patterns of conflict and expected outcomes depending on the nature of the mismatched frames. Allowing for mismatched frames uniquely highlights the importance of recognizing managers’ and employees’ frames for understanding HR outcomes and conflicts observed in practice.

Suggested Citation

  • John W. Budd & Dionne Pohler & Wei Huang, 2022. "Making sense of (mis)matched frames of reference: A dynamic cognitive theory of (in)stability in HR practices," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 268-289, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:268-289
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Julia Brandl, 2022. "Frames of reference in managing employment from the perspective of economics of conventions," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 290-302, July.
    2. Martin B. Carstensen & Christian Lyhne Ibsen & Vivien A. Schmidt, 2022. "Ideas and power in employment relations studies," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(1), pages 3-21, January.
    3. J. Adam Cobb, 2022. "Making sense of (mis)matched frames of reference: A dynamic cognitive theory of (in)stability in HR practices: A dialogue," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 319-323, July.
    4. Paulo Marzionna, 2023. "Is this workplace bullying? How ideas about conflict shape conflict management strategies," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(2), pages 366-391, June.
    5. Kaifeng Jiang & Wei Shi & Xin Wen, 2022. "Implications of frames of reference for strategic human resource management research: Opportunities and challenges," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 303-313, July.

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