The UK context of workplace empowerment: Debating HRM and postmodernity

Abstract

Offers insights into workplace empowerment by concentrating on the wider contemporary (UK) context of work, conceptualising work in the on‐going debates on human resource management (HRM) and postmodernity. Connections are made between theory and practice in HRM and postmodern critique, drawing on an empirical case study. Compares the postmodern motifs of consumerism and consumption, commodification and image projection and the HRM ideals of commitment, individuality and continuous development. Suggests that viewing HRM as discourse may enable a focus for, if not a reconciliation of, the debate between theoretical HRM and HRM in practice.

Citation

Foley, M., Maxwell, G. and McGillivray, D. (1999), "The UK context of workplace empowerment: Debating HRM and postmodernity", Participation and Empowerment: An International Journal, Vol. 7 No. 6, pp. 163-177. https://doi.org/10.1108/14634449910298231