The Theoretical Relationship between the Individual and SHRM
Authors
Hansen, Olivia ; Oksbjerre, Anneline Hedam
Term
4. term
Publication year
2020
Submitted on
2020-06-02
Pages
205
Abstract
This thesis examines, from an interpretivist perspective, the theoretical relationship between the individual and Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM), addressing the social complexity that is often underexplored in the field. Based on an in-depth literature review of 38 academic articles, the study maps central SHRM strategies and types of employment relationships and discusses how assumptions about employee–employer relations and third-party influences shape SHRM understanding. Methodologically, it combines Bruno Latour’s Actor-Network Theory to trace organizational actors and ties with Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice to explain individual behavior through habitus, capital and position in the social order. The analysis indicates that the individual–SHRM relationship is complex: actions are shaped by human capital, power and cultural dynamics, expectations and trust, influencing how strategic initiatives are perceived and enacted. As its contribution, the thesis proposes a new conceptual framework that systematizes the individual–SHRM relationship and provides analytical steps and facilitation guidelines to adjust SHRM design to context, networks and actors. The framework serves as a theoretical tool that enriches a configurational approach to SHRM and highlights the need for more qualitative research on people, diversity and social processes.
Denne afhandling undersøger, fra et fortolkende perspektiv, det teoretiske forhold mellem individet og Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) i lyset af den sociale kompleksitet, som ofte overses i feltet. Med udgangspunkt i et dybdegående litteraturreview af 38 akademiske artikler kortlægger studiet centrale SHRM-strategier og typer af ansættelsesforhold og diskuterer, hvordan antagelser om relationer mellem medarbejdere, ledelse og tredjeparter præger forståelsen af SHRM. Metodisk kombineres Bruno Latours Actor-Network Theory til at afdække netværk af aktører og forbindelser i organisationen med Pierre Bourdieus praksisteori til at forstå individets adfærd gennem habitus, kapital og position i den sociale orden. Analysen peger på, at relationen mellem individ og SHRM er kompleks: handlinger formes af menneskelig kapital, magt- og kulturforhold, forventninger og tillid, hvilket påvirker, hvordan strategiske initiativer opfattes og omsættes i praksis. Som bidrag præsenterer afhandlingen en ny konceptuel ramme, der systematiserer relationen mellem individ og SHRM og tilbyder analytiske trin og faciliteringsretningslinjer, som kan hjælpe med at tilpasse SHRM-design til kontekst, netværk og aktører. Rammen er et teoretisk værktøj, der nuancerer den konfigurationelle tilgang til SHRM og peger på behovet for mere kvalitativ forskning i mennesker, mangfoldighed og sociale processer.
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Keywords