Human resource management

Chapter 13 addresses human resource management and the potential contribution that an appropriate HRM policy can make to alliance success. The chapter outlines key HRM activities and indicates how these are required at different stages of an alliance’s development. It then examines the contribution of HRM to key alliance needs including the selection of personnel, the development of a common culture (including building trust), control, and learning. Its last section considers broader policy issues concerning the approach to HRM in alliances, namely its strategic role and the question of whether a leading alliance partner should standardize its HR practices across different alliances and affiliates. The sensitivity of HRM practices to cultural and institutional norms is noted.