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Changes in institutional context and MNC operations in China: Subsidiary HRM practices in 1996 versus 2006

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  • Björkman, Ingmar
  • Smale, Adam
  • Sumelius, Jennie
  • Suutari, Vesa
  • Lu, Yuan

Abstract

This study investigated the changes taking place in HRM practices found in European-owned units in China between 1996 and 2006 in conjunction with the transformation of the context in which they are operating. Our study presents clear evidence for the convergence of HRM found in local Chinese firms with those of European MNC units in China. The results also point to a convergence within European MNCs since the HRM practices in units located in China have become significantly more similar to those of their parent companies.

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  • Björkman, Ingmar & Smale, Adam & Sumelius, Jennie & Suutari, Vesa & Lu, Yuan, 2008. "Changes in institutional context and MNC operations in China: Subsidiary HRM practices in 1996 versus 2006," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 146-158, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:17:y:2008:i:2:p:146-158
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    9. Latukha, Marina & Poór, József & Mitskevich, Ekaterina & Linge, Dmitry, 2020. "Human resource management practices transferring from foreign firms to Russia: The case of MNCs subsidiaries," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 476-486.
    10. Elaine Farndale & Chris Brewster & Paul Ligthart & Erik Poutsma, 2017. "The effects of market economy type and foreign MNE subsidiaries on the convergence and divergence of HRM," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(9), pages 1065-1086, December.
    11. Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua & Cooper, Brian K. & Fan, Di & De Cieri, Helen, 2013. "HR practices from the perspective of managers and employees in multinational enterprises in China: Alignment issues and implications," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(2), pages 241-250.
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