Hrm and Performance: a Plea for Reflexivity in Hrm Studies

Journal of Management Studies 46:1 January 2009 0022-2380

Point–Counterpoint

HRM and Performance: A Plea for Reflexivity in HRM Studies

Maddy Janssens and Chris Steyaert

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; University of St Gallen

abstract In this Counterpoint, we build on Paauwe’s suggestions to take the field of HRM and Performance further. Rather than aiming for a synthesis or proposing a radical alternative, we argue that R(econstructive)-reflexivity is needed for theorizing HRM. In particular, we bring in insights from critical studies on the notion of HRM, on the notion of performance, and on the theoretical relationship between them as a way to open up new research avenues and lines of interpretation. For each of these three aspects, we indicate how studying the employment relationship can be reframed. In particular, we emphasize practice-oriented research as one possible research path for the field of HRM as it allows for an examination of HRM as a set of practices, embedded in a global economical, political and socio-cultural context. We end our counterpoint by reflecting on reflexivity, proposing three practices that can guide HRM scholars in becoming reflexive in the ways they study HRM.

INTRODUCTION In this Counterpoint article, we respond to the key suggestions made by Paauwe (2008) to take the field of HRM and Performance further. Whilst formulating these suggestions, which focus on the three aspects under study – the notion of HRM, the notion of performance and the theoretical relationship between them – Paauwe argues that they effectively respond to the criticism of critical theorists. He further acknowledges that any other criticism is of course still possible, but at the same time states that such criticism mainly aims at a sterile rejection of the positivist paradigm of HRM–Performance studies without offering a viable alternative. Such argumentation is, in our opinion, unfortunate as it does not grasp the full potential of critiques to further...