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What Do HR Managers Really Do?

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine L. Welch

    (University of Sydney)

  • Denice E. Welch

    (University of Melbourne)

Abstract

The contribution of the HR function in supporting international business operations has received limited attention to date, with even less attention paid to HR roles. This article seeks to address this by studying the role of HR managers on international projects. We identify five IHR roles: service provider, policy police, strategic partner, change agent; and welfare officer. We also identifyhow these roles are enacted, questioning the prevailing divide between strategic and operational roles; and adding another dimension—emotional. We also argue that role enactment is context-specific; and show how context constrains as well as enables IHR role enactment.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine L. Welch & Denice E. Welch, 2012. "What Do HR Managers Really Do?," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 52(4), pages 597-617, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:52:y:2012:i:4:d:10.1007_s11575-011-0126-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-011-0126-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farndale, Elaine & Scullion, Hugh & Sparrow, Paul, 2010. "The role of the corporate HR function in global talent management," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 45(2), pages 161-168, April.
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    3. Bernard Cova & Pervez N. Ghauri & Robert Salle, 2002. "Project marketing : Beyond competitive bidding," Post-Print hal-02298023, HAL.
    4. Schweiger, David M. & Atamer, Tugrul & Calori, Roland, 2003. "Transnational project teams and networks: making the multinational organization more effective," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 38(2), pages 127-140, May.
    5. Raymond Caldwell, 2003. "The Changing Roles of Personnel Managers: Old Ambiguities, New Uncertainties," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(4), pages 983-1004, June.
    6. Dubois, Anna & Gadde, Lars-Erik, 2002. "Systematic combining: an abductive approach to case research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 55(7), pages 553-560, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yusliza M-Y & Choo Poh Wai & Jayaraman K. & Rimi Nadia Newaz & Muhammad Zikri, 2019. "HR Line Manager’s Reflections on HRM Effectiveness through HR Roles and Role Stressors," South East European Journal of Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 14(1), pages 34-48, June.
    2. Fletcher, Margaret & Zhao, Yang & Plakoyiannaki, Emmanuella & Buck, Trevor, 2018. "Three Pathways to Case Selection in International Business: A Twenty–Year Review, Analysis and Synthesis," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 755-766.

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