In this thesis an integrated approach to analysing small In this thesis an integrated approach to analysing small firm employment relations is proposed and used to investigate the image of industrial harmony in small firms. This approach accommodates small firm heterogeneity, provides an analytical framework for ordering the effect of a range of factors (not simply size) on employment relations, and incorporates a dialectical relationship between structure and agency. In Chapters 2 and 3 some of the key theoretical and methodological gaps in small firm research, particularly their employment relations, are highlighted. At the conclusion of Chapter 2, it is suggested that an analysis of small firm employment relations must start with the totality of economic and social relations in a particular sector, and its contradictory constituents, rather than the small firm per se. Rainnie’s (1989) heuristic device, drawing upon Marxist theory of combined and uneven development, is adopted to accommodate small firm heterogeneity. After reviewing studies of small firm industrial relations and human resource management, it is argued, in Chapter 3, that by incorporating the dialectical relationship between structure and agency with a labour process analysis, an explanation for why ‘industrial harmony’ appears to typify small firm employment relations can be sought. (For complete abstract open document)

Mémoire (M.P.M.O.)-- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1993. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

[Truncated abstract] The commercial developments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have come to signify profound and far-reaching change in the way that goods and services are designed, produced, marketed and delivered to customers in the world's international and domestic markets. In order to respond to a more intensively competitive trading environment that demands ever-increasing levels of product quality, customer service, organisational efficiency and business performance, the management of business entities has undergone fundamental alteration in form and content. It is within this context that two traditionally disparate business disciplines have emerged to play an important role in the new economic commercial order, that of small business management and that of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). Historically eclipsed by the large and powerful mass-producing corporations, the small business sector has been more recently viewed as playing an increasingly prominent part in the creation of national and regional prosperity within the developed countries. The unprecedented interest in smaller firms and the desire to see them fulfill their economic and social potential have resulted in legislative reform and widespread initiatives by governments and other institutions designed to support and protect the smaller operators in their commercial endeavours. Similarly, in the post-industrial knowledge economy people have risen in prominence over other organisational resources as a key source of competitive commercial advantage. The role of intellectual capital in securing business success has fuelled the development of management technology and methods designed to enhance the contribution of human resources to business performance. Heralded by many as the defining managerial approach for enterprises that wish to build sustainable competitive advantage in the markets of today and the future, SHRM has come to the fore as a means to re-evaluate the importance of human contribution to business outcomes and guide management practice in leveraging the latent potential of a company's human assets. ... In general, the management of business strategy was found to possess low levels of structure and formality, effectively merging into the collective activities associated with owning and operating a small business. Similarly, when compared with the key elements of a strategic human resource management framework constructed specifically for this study, the data indicated that the strategic management of people is prevalent in smaller firms but that this again represents only partial adoption of normative models as commonly promoted for the larger business management context. It was concluded that the theoretical principles and concepts of SHRM demonstrate relevance for small companies on account of the status of the contemporary external commercial environment in which they must compete as well as the range of managerial benefits associated with strategic methodology and practice. However, currently there exist no suitable models of practice with supporting guidelines that respond to the unique contextual and operational needs and experiences typical of smaller firm owner-managers.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 243-265.

Purpose – The purpose of this research to provide insights into the underresearched area of social responsibility practises by SMEs at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP). Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from the literature, the research expands and builds on the previous work of Spence and Gilligan in explaining the daily activities of owner-managers with respect to CSR at the BOP. Also the link between ethic of care and CSR practises by SMEs at the BOP is established.Findings – The ethic of care and the owner-manager’s values are the main drivers of CSR at the BOP. Due to scarce resources, most of the CSR initiatives are linked to the core of the business. CSR is not used as a strategic competitive advantage business model. Also the CSR initiatives do not come from external pressure such as stakeholders, but are internal at a human level. The CSR practices are not linked to the bottom line; self-satisfaction is the ultimate price. Originality/value – Given the limited literature on the social responsibility practices of by SMEs at the BOP, this research makes a contribution to increasing the understanding of CSR initiatives by SMEs at the BOP, as well as to the BoP literature in general.Practical implications – The paper concludes by outlining the implications for managers, policy-makers, and stakeholders, and advancing the agenda of social responsibility for future research in the fields of both the BOP and SMEs. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / pagibs2015 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / Unrestricted

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / Human resource management is a widely researched field. However, the research done in terms of small to medium-sized enterprises, is extremely limited, especially in South Africa. The aim of this research was to investigate human resource management practices in one such a company, and to develop a feasible action plan to improve on these practices. The chosen company, Task Applied Science (Pty) Ltd, is a medical research company based in Cape Town, South Africa. The data for the study was obtained through a literature review and interviews. The data from the literature review identified best practices and frameworks. This was combined with interviewing company employees as well as HRM practitioners in the medical field to not only identify problems, but to also suggest possible solutions. These solutions were compiled in a comprehensive action plan. As such, the results offer a workable solution for Task Applied Science, and can serve as example for all small to medium-sized enterprises. The literature review further showed that smaller companies tend to ignore the importance of human resource management due to the time and costs involved and the fact that they are focussed on the external environment rather than the internal. This cannot simply be remedied by implementing practices developed in large companies. Best practices need to be customised to fit the needs of the specific company. The findings showed that only certain human resource management practices were implemented in reaction to crises, or as needs arose. This, combined with the rapid growth and lack of structure, caused a breakdown in communication, transparency, and trust. Staff loyalty decreased because they felt that they were left in the dark. Both the company strategy and values became vague, and thus staff could not be aligned to it. Noteworthy was that the increase in policies and documentation did not cause employees to feel restricted, but rather that it created a feeling of security. The study made it abundantly clear that the human resources department needs to be treated as a strategic partner in the planning and execution of the company strategy; especially in terms of efficient change management. Their role is to communicate the strategic direction, while at the same time acting as an activist for the staff, voicing their needs and capabilities. The proposed action plan focused mainly on the company culture and the alignment of staff with the company’s business strategy. This was done by addressing issues such as company culture, communication, company values, and staff development. The plan offers practical solutions within each of these categories. Furthermore, it suggests solutions in terms of efficient staff recruitment and knowledge management. By implementing this plan the company will be able to increase the synergy between the business units within the company, eradicating silos, and establishing the staff as a competitive advantage. In addition to this, it will establish the human resources department as a credible partner for the staff in developing both their personal and professional lives.