Human Resource Management in Europe - P.S Kirkbride

When the EC decided in 1985 to create a "Europe without frontiers", one of the issues it raised was the need to develop new "pan-European" managers for the emerging transnational organizational structures. This volume addresses the definition of a truly European model of human resource management (HRM), in contrast to the American and Japanese models, with special reference to the culturally diverse aspects of each specific country within Europe. It questions the validity of a European HRM, the particular problems the old Eastern bloc countries face, and the difficulties of being united under a single umbrella of a European HRM. Using a thematic approach, four key areas are identified: the cultural context against which HRM operates in Europe; recent developments in the EC and its implications for HRM and HR managers; the upheaval in Eastern Europe and the relevance of HR issues in the development of new liberated economies; and the increase in cross-border business. Assuming the cultural diversity is a positive factor, the volume nevertheless advocates cultural and environmental sensitivity in the process towards a common HRM for Europe.