Fernando Martín Alcázar, Pedro Miguel Romero Fernández and Gonzalo Sánchez Gardey
Workforce diversity is considered one of the main challenges for human resource management in modern organizations. Despite its strategic importance, the majority of models in…
Abstract
Purpose
Workforce diversity is considered one of the main challenges for human resource management in modern organizations. Despite its strategic importance, the majority of models in this field implicitly consider workforce as a generic and homogeneous category, and do not take into account cultural differences among employees. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature on diversity among employees in strategic human resource management (SHRM). The objective of this conceptual analysis is to identify limitations in previous research and unresolved issues that could drive future research in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
To develop this conceptual analysis, the paper reviews previous literature on SHRM, drawing on the distinction between the universalistic, contingent and configurational perspectives. Each of these approaches is explored, looking for the way in which they have treated workforce diversity and cross‐culturality.
Findings
The paper concludes that managing a heterogeneous workforce requires a holistic transformation of human resource strategies. Nevertheless, efforts to define cross‐cultural and diversity‐oriented models still remain undeveloped. Limitations of previous research in the diversity‐SHRM field are indentified in the paper.
Research limitations/implications
Drawing on the limitations of the treatment given to diversity in SHRM research, the paper identifies four research questions that still need to be addressed: deeper analysis of the concept of diversity, introduction of psychological processes mediating the diversity‐performance relationship, development of diversity oriented SHRM typologies and redefinition of performance indicators to measure the effects of diversity.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a theoretical model to illustrate present state of the art and future research lines in the fields of diversity, cross‐cultural management and SHRM.
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Araceli Almaraz Alvarado and Manuel Llorca-Jaña
All family businesses face an inescapable succession process. Succession means the process by which a family business is transferred from one generation to the next, involving…
Abstract
All family businesses face an inescapable succession process. Succession means the process by which a family business is transferred from one generation to the next, involving most of the members of the family business, either directly or indirectly. There is an extensive literature that deals with the study of successions. In Latin America, work on family businesses stands out, although from business history the analysis of successions for this region is still scarce. This chapter aims to highlight the progress in this arena and help fill the gaps with a brief review of the main theories and debates about succession in family business. In addition to a summary of the main findings for the Latin American countries, we propose some elements for a theoretical and methodological debate in Latin America.
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José Andrés Fernández-Cornejo, Cristina Castellanos-Serrano, Eva Del Pozo-García, Maite Palomo-Vadillo, Juan Ignacio Cáceres-Ruiz and Lorenzo Escot
In January 2021, Spanish paid parental leave for fathers was fully equated with that for mothers. Is this facilitating working fathers developing an identity of caring fathers?
Abstract
Purpose
In January 2021, Spanish paid parental leave for fathers was fully equated with that for mothers. Is this facilitating working fathers developing an identity of caring fathers?
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted qualitative research based on 31 interviews with heterosexual fathers residing in Spain, who had a child from January 1, 2021 onwards, who cohabited with the baby’s mother, and who were salaried. We also added two mothers with the same characteristics and seven human resources managers from large companies.
Findings
There has been a rapid acceptance and normalization of the use of these new equalized leaves. For many fathers this has been accompanied by the experience of a greater sense of “being legitimized” to engage in caregiving. The intensity of this process could be subject to two opposing forces. One in favor, especially when fathers care alone for as long as possible; and one against, when fathers assume the role of the mother’s helper and when the support of significant and relevant others is lacking in several domains, including the work place.
Social implications
Whether this ambivalence is resolved in favor of advancement could depend on how successful public policy is. Reforms of parental leave systems should encourage men to take on single-handed care, and companies should be encouraged to become more aware of the need for co-responsibility between fathers and mothers in childcare.
Originality/value
Spain now has one of the most gender-equal parental leave systems in the world. It is important to know what meaning new fathers are giving to this advance and to what extent this is facilitating the emergence of a caregiving masculinity.
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María Muñoz Sanz-Agero and Carl Antonius Lemke Duque
This study provides a new look at the late 19th-century university issue in Spain. Loss of self-government among universities and the state’s centralization brought a conflict…
Abstract
Purpose
This study provides a new look at the late 19th-century university issue in Spain. Loss of self-government among universities and the state’s centralization brought a conflict between science and religion to the fore in the process of the secularization of knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
We first delve into the anti-Darwinian framework associated with the scientific professionalization process, focusing on the case of the jurist Antonio Hernández Fajarnés (1851–1909). Secondly, we study the idea of the university that emerged from the Ateneo de Madrid, analyzing key speeches from the jurist Francisco Fernández de Henestrosa (1855–s.d.) given in 1887/88 and from the pharmacist José Rodríguez Carracido (1856–1928).
Findings
The study concludes that the Restoration Era in Spain was characterized by a generalized desire – shared by neo-Scholastics, conservatives and liberal rationalists – to improve the public university system. In this context, French influence was no doubt decisive; however, the Humboldtian university idea had already begun to have notable influence.
Originality/value
This article analyzes sources yet unknown to international research, such as the Ateneo de Madrid debates and Spanish university rectors’ inaugural speeches. It opens up a critical examination of the so-called displacement of educational principles in Spain toward a state-centered system of doctrinal moderantismo as opposed to the nation-centered system of the Cádiz liberalism. At the same time, it identifies key pockets of resistance relative to Spanish university transformation toward increased methodological secularization.
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David A. McEntire and Christopher Fuller
Is a holistic approach to the disaster problem required? Seeks to answer this question by examining the 1997‐1998 El Niño disasters in Peru. Explores the key factors that…
Abstract
Is a holistic approach to the disaster problem required? Seeks to answer this question by examining the 1997‐1998 El Niño disasters in Peru. Explores the key factors that contributed to the disaster and highlights the subsequent effects and response operations. Discusses the need for a theory of disaster management that takes into account all types of hazards, numerous variables from the physical and social environments, as well as each phase of emergency management.
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Sergio Madero Gómez, Miguel R. Olivas-Lujan, Yanira Lizeth Rubio Leal and Mohd Yusoff Yusliza
Identifying and analyzing aspects related to sustainable human resources (HRs) in an emerging, Iberoamerican location (Monterrey, Mexico). Documenting employee experiences…
Abstract
Purpose
Identifying and analyzing aspects related to sustainable human resources (HRs) in an emerging, Iberoamerican location (Monterrey, Mexico). Documenting employee experiences regarding sustainable practices of HR in their companies to understand the enacted meaning of sustainable HR management (HRM). This study aims to seek answers to understand the ways environmental sustainability is present in HR subprocesses and the ways companies regard HRs from a sustainability perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory research has a qualitative approach. The authors collected and summarized semi-structured interviews with 31 key informants that work fully or partially in HRs in a large, industrialized city in an Iberoamerican, emerging economy (Monterrey, Mexico).
Findings
The main findings based on responses from HR professionals are as follows: HR activities may contribute to the sustainability of the business and its physical environment; HR can create a culture of care for the resources, but training and development activities are not currently used optimally; and in addition to the economic sustainability of the employers, social and environmental sustainability are also within HR’s influence sphere.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the emerging literature on sustainability in HRM, due the dearth of information related to “green” or environmental practices in HRM. This study reports specifically on the ways this perspective adds value within Mexican enterprises, but the authors are confident that these findings also generalize across industries, enterprises and regions.
Propósito
Identificar y analizar aspectos relacionados con la sustentabilidad de los recursos humanos de empresas en una localidad iberoamericana emergente (Monterrey, México). Documentar las experiencias de los trabajadores respecto a las prácticas sustentables de recursos humanos en sus empresas para comprender el significado de la administración de Recursos Humanos (RR.HH.) sustentable en la práctica. Hemos buscado respuestas respecto a las maneras en que la sostenibilidad ambiental está presente en los subprocesos de RR.HH. y las maneras en que las organizaciones utilizan una perspectiva de sostenibilidad en la gestión de recursos humanos.
Metodología
Esta investigación exploratoria tiene un enfoque cualitativo. Recolectamos y resumimos treinta y un entrevistas semiestructuradas con informantes clave que trabajan total o parcialmente en en una ciudad grande e industrializada perteneciente a una economía iberoamericana emergente (Monterrey, México).
Hallazgos
Nuestros principales hallazgos basados en las respuestas de los profesionales de RR.HH. son: a) las actividades de RR.HH. pueden contribuir a la sostenibilidad del negocio y su medio ambiente físico, b) RR.HH. puede crear una cultura de cuidado de los recursos, pero las actividades de formación, entrenamiento y desarrollo no se utilizan actualmente de forma óptima, y c) Además de la sostenibilidad económica de las organizaciones, la sostenibilidad social y medioambiental también están dentro de la esfera de influencia de RR.HH.
Originalidad
Este estudio contribuye a la literatura emergente sobre sostenibilidad en la gestión de recursos humanos, debido a la falta de información relacionada con las prácticas “verdes” o ambientales de RR.HH. En este documento reportamos específicamente sobre las formas en que esta consideración de valor en RR.HH sostenible dentro de las empresas mexicanas, sin embargo, está claro que estos hallazgos tienen una importancia más amplia en todas las empresas y regiones.
Objetivo
Identificar e analisar aspectos relacionados à sustentabilidade dos recursos humanos em empresas de uma localidade ibero-americana emergente (Monterrey, México). Observar as experiências dos trabalhadores de práticas sustentáveis de RH em suas empresas para entender o que significa na prática a gestão sustentável de RH. Buscamos respostas sobre as formas como a sustentabilidade ambiental está presente nos subprocessos de RH e as formas como as organizações utilizam a perspectiva da sustentabilidade na gestão de recursos humanos.
Metodologia
Esta pesquisa exploratória tem abordagem qualitativa. Coletamos e resumimos trinta e uma entrevistas semiestruturadas com informantes-chave que trabalham total ou parcialmente em uma grande cidade industrializada pertencente a uma economia emergente ibero-americana (Monterrey, México).
Resultados
Nossos principais achados com base nas respostas dos profissionais de RH são: a) as atividades de RH podem contribuir para a sustentabilidade do negócio e seu ambiente físico, b) o RH pode criar uma cultura de cuidado com os recursos, mas as atividades de educação, treinamento e desenvolvimento atualmente não são utilizadas de forma otimizada, e c) Além da sustentabilidade econômica das organizações, a sustentabilidade social e ambiental também estão dentro da esfera de influência do RH.
Originalidade
Este estudo contribui a literatura emergente sobre sustentabilidade na gestão de recursos humanos, devido à falta de informação relacionada às práticas “verdes” ou ambientais de RH. Neste estudo reportamos especificamente sobre o valor dos RH nas empresas mexicanas, no entanto, fica claro que essas descobertas podem ser generalizadas a outras indústrias, empresas e regiões.
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Opeyemi Femi-Oladunni, Pablo Ruiz-Palomino and Israel Roberto Pérez Jiménez
This study aims to identify how Spanish consumers’ extrinsic preferences for food have evolved by examining the extant literature on food preferences in Spain, focusing on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify how Spanish consumers’ extrinsic preferences for food have evolved by examining the extant literature on food preferences in Spain, focusing on food-related attributes and food-related values.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a synthetic review of the extant academic literature on Spanish consumer preferences for food-related attributes and food-related values from the mid-20th to the 21st century. This study uses key economic and social milestones that are most likely to influence food value chain actors to show how consumer preferences have evolved over the study period.
Findings
Spanish consumer food attribute preferences expanded as the food sector of the nation continued to grow, and value preferences showed a similar pattern from the mid-20th to the 21st century. The drivers of these preferences were trust, lifestyle, education (campaigns), sociodemographic factors and purchasing power.
Originality/value
Evaluating the extant literature’s contribution to consumer preferences for food-related attributes and values is important because it can aid in understanding the hierarchy and variety of consumers’ food preferences as well as the factors that drive these preferences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore how Spanish consumer preferences evolved between the mid-20th and 21st centuries.
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Lydia Murillo-Ramos, Irene Huertas-Valdivia and Fernando E. García-Muiña
This study aims to delineate the fast-growing path of human resource management (HRM) research with a sustainable orientation and resolve confusion over the differences and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to delineate the fast-growing path of human resource management (HRM) research with a sustainable orientation and resolve confusion over the differences and interdependences of the various approaches that have emerged: green human resource management (GHRM), sustainable human resource management (Sustainable HRM), and socially responsible human resource management (SR-HRM).
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, bibliometrics and science mapping were used to analyze the field's conceptual structure based on 587 related documents extracted from the ISI Web of Science database. Co-word analysis with SciMAT software enabled the authors to map the main themes studied and identify evolution, importance, and relevance.
Findings
SR-HRM is the least developed of the three approaches analyzed and has been overlooked by the journals that publish the most work in the field of HR. The authors identify a lack of sustainability-related HRM studies on higher education and an ongoing need both to explore the role of culture in GHRM implementation and to explain further the potential non-green behavioral outcomes that can result from GHRM's use.
Practical implications
This study demonstrates how human resource factors are key to managing challenges such as aging workforce, unstable employment relationships, implementation of green supply chain management, and Industry 4.0.
Originality/value
This study explores in detail the interrelations among various emerging sustainable human resource approaches and subtopics derived from the interrelations to reveal hotspots, dilemmas, paradoxes, and research gaps.