The Nordic model of HRM from 1995-2021– a case of ‘bounded change’?

Article

Gooderham, P.N., Olsen, K.M., Sandvik, A.M., Smale, A., Bévort, F., Einarsdóttir, A. and Tengblad, S. 2025. The Nordic model of HRM from 1995-2021– a case of ‘bounded change’? International Journal of Human Resource Management.
TypeArticle
TitleThe Nordic model of HRM from 1995-2021– a case of ‘bounded change’?
AuthorsGooderham, P.N., Olsen, K.M., Sandvik, A.M., Smale, A., Bévort, F., Einarsdóttir, A. and Tengblad, S.
Abstract

The aim of this comparative study is to investigate the degree of continuity in the distinctiveness of private-sector Nordic HRM in terms of calculative and collaborative HRM in relation to the prototypical liberal market economy – the UK – and the prototypical coordinated market economy – Germany. Our analysis employs firm-level data from the Cranet survey for the period 1995-2021. In line with institutional theory and its concept of ‘bounded change’ our findings indicate that, notwithstanding structural change and institutional developments, the Nordic countries continue to be characterized by a relatively low adoption of calculative HRM and a relatively high adoption of collaborative HRM. As such, they continue to constitute a cluster of countries that is distinctive in relation to both the UK and Germany.

Keywordscalculative HRM; collaborative HRM; institutional theory; bounded change; Nordic HRM
Sustainable Development Goals17 Partnerships for the goals
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
Research GroupProfessional Practice group for Leadership, Work and Organisations
PublisherTaylor & Francis (Routledge)
JournalInternational Journal of Human Resource Management
ISSN0958-5192
Electronic1466-4399
Publication process dates
Accepted27 Jan 2025
Deposited29 Jan 2025
Output statusAccepted
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
LanguageEnglish
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