TY - UNPB

T1 - Theorising under-theorisation in research on the HRM - performance link

AU - Fleetwood, Steve

AU - Hesketh, A J

PY - 2006

Y1 - 2006

N2 - Research claiming a measurable link exists between HR practices and organizational performance is recognised to be under-theorised. Appropriate theory is unlikely to emerge and develop by researchers doing more, and/or better, empirical work. The current unwillingness to reflect on meta-theory, coupled with the preoccupation with empirical techniques, does nothing to encourage the development of theory. Our meta-theoretical reflection, especially upon the nature of theory, permits a working definition of theory and illuminates the further problem that research lacks explanatory power. Under-theorisation and lack of explanatory power manifest themselves in the Black Box problem and the problem of measurement without theory. We consider the work of three sets of writers who have explicitly attempted to identify theories that might provide the requisite theoretical insights.

AB - Research claiming a measurable link exists between HR practices and organizational performance is recognised to be under-theorised. Appropriate theory is unlikely to emerge and develop by researchers doing more, and/or better, empirical work. The current unwillingness to reflect on meta-theory, coupled with the preoccupation with empirical techniques, does nothing to encourage the development of theory. Our meta-theoretical reflection, especially upon the nature of theory, permits a working definition of theory and illuminates the further problem that research lacks explanatory power. Under-theorisation and lack of explanatory power manifest themselves in the Black Box problem and the problem of measurement without theory. We consider the work of three sets of writers who have explicitly attempted to identify theories that might provide the requisite theoretical insights.

M3 - Working paper

T3 - Organisation, Work and Technology Working Paper Series

BT - Theorising under-theorisation in research on the HRM - performance link

PB - The Department of Organisation, Work and Technology

CY - Lancaster University

ER -