HRM in Brazil: an institutional approach

Author(s)

Amorim, Wilson Aparecido Costa de ^[1] ; Cruz, Marcus Vinicius Goncalves da ^[2] ; Sarsur, Amyra Moyzes ^[3] ; Fischer, Andre Luiz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, PPGA, Fac Econ Adm & Contabilidade, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Fundacao Joao Pinheiro, Adm Publ, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[3] Pontificia Univ Catolica Minas Gerais, PPGA, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REGE-REVISTA DE GESTAO; v. 28, n. 1 FEB 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this work is to comparatively study human resources management (HRM) areas in Brazil, at the national level, analyzing how companies considered labor market and labor relations aspects when building their strategies and when configuring people management models in place in the country (2014-2019), based on local conditions. Design/methodology/approach - The subject was approached through qualitative analysis, encompassing document survey, systematic literature review, specialists' panel discussions, eight focus groups (43 human resources {[}HR] managers), interviews (16 union members), applying institutional approach to people management. Findings - In regards to labor market and unions, HR areas faced different conditions across Brazilian regions. They have dealt with those influences on their strategic and quotidian decisions in an unstructured fashion. HR areas remain constructed as traditional, adjuvant and far from strategic level. In the institutionalization process - normative isomorphism - a professional HR jargon use was identified. HR areas usually act in collective bargaining, resorting to specialized professionals or consulting companies. During the economic crisis, HR professionals' attitude had a reactive nature, responding to organizations leadership, with little dedication to the emerging context. Practical implications - This work enables important players like HR managers, union members and specialists in public policies to interpret the institutionalization phenomena of practices related to management, labor market and labor relations in the country. Social implications Understanding the effects of the relations among state, companies and unions allows the different power vectors, acting upon the institutionalization process of people management areas in the Brazilian case, to be outlined. Originality/value - This study applies the institutional approach to understand the economic and social heterogeneity affecting organizations in Brazil. It enhances the knowledge on HRM areas scope and their articulation toward labor market and relations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/26673-1 - Human resource management, labor market and labor relations in Brazil: an analysis on human resources management models in Brazil after 2000
• Grantee: Wilson Aparecido Costa de Amorim
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/24434-8 - Human Resource Management, Labor Market and Labor Relations in Brazil: an analysis of HRM models in Brazil after 2000 - Extending the research frontiers
• Grantee: Wilson Aparecido Costa de Amorim
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants