Research Online at MacEwan :: Browsing by Author "Thomson, Stanley Bruce"

Browsing by Author "Thomson, Stanley Bruce"

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A retrospective and prospective analysis of HRM research in Chinese firms: implications and directions for future study
(2008) Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Cieri, Helen De
Based on an extensive review and analysis of 182 articles published in the field of human resource management that focus on China since its economic reform, this article discusses the major reasons for the growth in this area of research. We identify five major categories spanning research and practice, ownership type, and research method. Further, we examine issues and deficiencies in the research literature. Based on our analysis of each research category, we present a substantial series of research questions and implications for future research on HRM in China.
An intellectual capital perspective of human resource strategies and practices
(2009) Kong, Eric; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
Previous research has investigated the relationships between intellectual capital (IC) and human resource management (HRM). Others have described the link between IC and strategic initiatives in an organization including strategic human resource management (SHRM). However, little systematic work has been done to develop a holistic overview of connections between the three concepts. Through an analysis of the recent IC literature and the literature that discusses IC, SHRM and HRM, this paper argues that not only are the three concepts closely connected, but also IC should play a key role in SHRM processes and HRM practices in organizations. The strategic connections also demonstrate that IC can be conceptualized as a holistic partner to both SHRM and HRM; thus, adding strong support for the need to measure IC accurately. A theoretical framework is proposed to illustrate IC, SHRM and HRM connections. Finally, the paper suggests directions for future research.
Belt‐and‐Road Initiative: driving the need to understand intellectual capital in Chinese multinational enterprises
(2020) Wei, William Xiaojun; Swallow, Phillip; Kong, Eric; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
China's Belt‐and‐Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the most ambitious trade and development projects in history which intends to link Chinese multinational enterprises (CMNEs) to the Asian subcontinent, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe through two trade routes, land and sea. The project involves infrastructure development, human knowledge, and international relations to develop trade relationships. Increased competition along the two routes will see other governments taking initiatives to protect the business community in their nations; thus, adding barriers that must be overcome by CMNEs. The success of CMNEs in the BRI relies on the three components—structural, human, and relational—which are the three components of intellectual capital (IC). Through the use of IC CMNEs can assess their strengths and weaknesses. It will be the understanding of these strengths and weaknesses which will drive the success or failure of CMNEs.
Chinese transnational investment in Australia: a case study of insider/outsider relations
(2013) Forbes-Mewett, Helen; Nyland, Chris; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
Against the backdrop of a nation where more than a third of the population is concerned about cultural differences threatening societal harmony, we explore community responses to a proposed development by a Chinese transnational company. An alumina refinery was to be built in Utopia, a small coastal town in North Queensland, Australia. Framed within the dimensions of Elias and Scotson’s notion of established and outsider relations, we reveal the complexities of a community that consisted largely of a group of long-term residents (the Established) and a newer group who have lived in the town for periods up to three years (the Entrepreneurs). Together they faced the prospect of another group moving into the community-the Chinese. The concerns of the community related to assimilation, employment and the natural environment revealing cultural issues that are the hallmark of new racism.
Devolvement of HR practices in transitional economies: evidence from China
(2008) Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua; Cooper, Brian; Cieri, Helen De; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Zhao, Shuming
China's progressive integration into the global economy has strengthened its position as a ‘magnet’ for foreign direct investment. The inevitably increased competition in the Chinese economy has led firms to adopt more market-oriented approaches to human resource management (HRM). Based on a survey of 618 managers in state-owned enterprises, domestic/private- and foreign-invested firms operating in the Jiangsu Province of China, this study investigates the extent to which HR practices have been strategically devolved to line managers, and the relationship between this devolvement and the performance of firms in China. Overall, there was little evidence of devolvement to line managers. We found no evidence of a relationship between the degree of devolvement and firm performance, although the provision of formal training to line/middle managers was predictive of performance.
Did I offend you? I did not mean to!: dismantling microaggressions towards historically marginalized groups in education
(2022) Marshall, Jason; Roache, Darcia; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
“Are you sure you are from here?”; “You are well-spoken for a Black person”; “Do you speak English well?”; “Why do you talk like that?” These are some of the comments and questions that are expressed and asked by perpetrators of microaggression. At first glance, they seem harmless, even well-intentioned; however, when there is a careful examination of the word microaggression, it is recognized that these types of comments, innuendoes, and undertones are far from innocuous. The reality is that microaggressions are not as “micro” as some people believe. They send messages of intolerance to difference, ignorance, and expected conformity to social norms and rules established by majority groups.
Effectiveness of human resource management practices in developing countries
(2021) Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Ouedraogo, Noufou; Horbay, Matthew; Khan, Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman
Dunning (2006) asserted that international business research focused heavily on the physical assets of organizations and nations, thus neglecting the human environment of organizations and nations. Research has shown “the most important driver for economic advancement is knowledge” and is drawn from the human environment (Zhu et al., 2011, p. 312). The human environment is defined as the “human assets (i.e. creativity leading to innovation; experience, skills and knowledge of employees) and the skills and abilities those assets possess within a given location” (Zhu et al., 2011, p. 312).Thus, how an organization, including government, manages its human resources (HR), drawn from the human environment in which it operates, will significantly impact success or failure (Barney, 2001; Kong & Thomson, 2009).We contend that although there has been a great deal of research on human resource management (HRM) as a competitive advantage for firms, there has been little work done on the analysis of HRM practices in government and its influence on a nation’s competitive advantage. In a qualitative study of a developing nation in the Caribbean we interviewed 12 senior level employees. Our analysis revealed that little attention was paid to HRM, which resulted in the ineffectiveness of the application of government policies. The data revealed that issues started with the recruitment and selection processes. This paper focuses on the recruitment and selection processes utilized by government agencies that cause institutional voids which lead to the failure to utilize public service employees as a source of competitive advantage.
Employer attitudes towards social insurance compliance in Shanghai, China
(2011) Nyland, Chris; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua
Managing employer social insurance compliance is a particularly difficult governance challenge in emerging economies that have weak regulatory regimes. Utilizing qualitative evidence from eight case studies conducted in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China, this article details how employers respond to attempts by the State to manage social insurance behaviour. Five concerns arose from employers’ perceptions and responses to the established policies and regulatory structures: construction of an effective policy, level playing field, cost control, firm reputation, and recruitment and retention. Further, the findings indicate that there are three enterprise features that could affect compliance behaviour: risk factors, skill composition of the workforce, and form of ownership. It was anticipated that firm size may affect compliance behaviour, but no clear pattern emerged
Enhancing multi-method research methodologies for more informed decision-making
(2012) Anisimova, Tatiana; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
In today’s dynamic and global environment it is essential that decision-makers have valid and reliable information to base decisions upon. It is the duty of researchers to provide that information. In this paper we advocate for one method that researchers can use – a multiple-case study approach. The emphasis is on providing the research progression, as well as on procedures necessary for desirable reliability and validity properties. To obtain more robust measures and research findings, a multi-method approach uses in-depths interviews and a quantitative survey in a longitudinal collective research design. As outline when robust procedures are followed in a multiple case study research design they produce a more detailed picture of the issue under investigation than other methods do. Thus providing decision-makers, especially in the public sphere of administration and governance, a pathway for informed decision-making.
Extending the investment development path model to include the human environment factor
(2011) Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Hutchings, Kate; Cieri, Helen De
This article aims to address Dunning's call to include the 'human environment' (HE) as a new trend and trajectory for research in international business (IB). Dunning argues that the most important driver for economic advancement is knowledge, which arises from the HE. We extend Dunning's IB theory of the five stages of a country's investment development path (IDP) to include the HE factor. Further, we use China as an example in which to examine the role of human resource management (HRM). We identify and analyze an important link between foreign direct investment, multinational enterprises, and both domestic and global HRM.
Framework analysis: a qualitative methodology for applied policy research
(2009) Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Srivastava, Aashish
Policies and procedures govern organizations whether they are private or public, for-profit or not-for-profit. Review of such policies and procedures are done periodically to ensure optimum efficiency within the organization. Framework analysis is a qualitative method that is aptly suited for applied policy research. Framework analysis is better adapted to research that has specific questions, a limited time frame, a pre-designed sample and a priori issues. In the analysis, data is sifted, charted and sorted in accordance with key issues and themes using five steps: familiarization; identifying a thematic framework; indexing; charting; and mapping and interpretation. Framework analysis provides an excellent tool to assess policies and procedures from the very people that they affect.
Hybrid governance in India: a research review and agenda
(2014) Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Sharma, Deepak; Kong, Eric
India is the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yet is it fraught with social inequalities, high levels of poverty, and an ineffective distribution of financial and natural resources. Governments in India at the federal, state and municipal levels have been struggling with these issues since independence. Recently, in terms of the governance arrangements involved, they have moved towards forms of hybrid governance. A review of selected forms indicates mixed findings on the benefits they offer to the public. More detailed research needs to be undertaken at all levels of government to gain deeper insights into how forms of hybrid governance can assist in solving some of India’s societal ills.
Overcoming consent form obstacles in qualitative research
(2013) Thomson, Stanley Bruce
The quality of the researcher’s data is the cornerstone of research excellence. In qualitative research the connection that is established between the researcher and the participants dictates the quality and quantity of the data. The consent form is a necessary part of social science research involving human subjects and can be utilized as a tool to establish trust. The appearance of the document, the language used and amount of time given to read the document affect the level of understanding of the participant. This paper proposes that researchers avoid legalese, aim the language of the documents at the population one is trying to attract, allow sufficient time to read, listen or view the information and provide an opportunity for potential participant feedback. By being open and forthcoming to participants researchers will receive the same from participants and achieve their research data collection goals.
Promises made to me
(2006) Thomson, Stanley Bruce
Universities across the globe have marketed their institutions in nondomestic markets to tap into the lucrative international student market. Higher education is big business, but I ask, "At what cost?" International students face many hurdles when studying away from home. Lack of friends, family, and cultural support is the first step that leads to a deep sense of isolation in many students. Most of these students do find friends and a support system, but for a few, the final price is a burden too heavy to bear. This poem was written after 10 months of my own experience as an international student and talking to other students about their concerns.
Qualitative research: validity
(2011) Thomson, Stanley Bruce
With the increased interest in qualitative research some questions have arisen regarding methodological issues. In particular sample size and validity are the most often queried aspects of qualitative research. This paper aims to provide a review of the concepts of validity in qualitative research.
Sample size and grounded theory
(2011) Thomson, Stanley Bruce
Interviews are one of the most frequently used method of data collection and grounded theory has emerged as one of the most commonly used methodological frameworks. Although interviews are widely accepted, there is little written on an appropriate sample size. To tackle this concern a content analysis of one hundred articles that utilized grounded theory and interviews as a data collection method was performed. The findings indicate the point of theoretical saturation can be affected by the scope of the research question, the sensitivity of the phenomena, and the ability of the researcher. However, the average sample size was twenty-five, but it is recommended to plan for thirty interviews to fully develop patterns, concepts, categories, properties, and dimensions of the given phenomena. By knowing an approximation of the required number of interviews researchers now have starting point which will assist in the design, execution and budgeting of a research project.
Shaming and employer social insurance compliance behaviour in Shanghai
(2012) Nyland, Chris; Hartel, Charmine; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Zhu, Cherrie Jiuhua
Social security regimes must be underpinned by enforcement mechanisms designed to compel employers to fulfil their contribution requirements. In this paper we extend debate on China’s social security system by discussing whether the inclusion of re-integrative shaming in the repertoire of mechanisms the state utilises to enforce employer compliance is likely to prove effective. Drawing on audited data provided by the Shanghai Bureau of Labour and Social Security and on interviews with employers and Bureau staff we argue that though shaming has the potential to become an important social security enforcement mechanism in China, optimism that this will occur in the near future is not justified.
Sinophobia as corporate tactic and the response of host communities
(2011) Nyland, Chris; Forbes-Mewett, Helen; Thomson, Stanley Bruce
China's State Council has charged that in 2009 BHP Billiton inflamed Australians' fear of “Chinese colour” in order to undermine Chinalco's (Aluminium Corporation of China) effort to increase its share of the Rio Tinto company. Though unproven, this is a serious charge and the more so because it suggests there is a risk that in the future firms challenged by Chinese competitors may emulate the alleged practice. Given this possibility, anti-racists require a sophisticated understanding of how firms might incorporate Sinophobia into their business strategies and how Chinese foreign direct investment is viewed by national and local communities. To further this response, we review the literature on the use of racism as a corporate tactic, discuss the Chinalco-BHP struggle, and provide a study of how one community reacted when offered the chance to host a large Chinese investment.
Social inequities and the manifestation of microaggression for First Nations students in the educational system in Canada and the role of transformational leadership
(2021) Roache, Darcia; Thomson, Stanley Bruce; Marshall, Jason
This chapter explores through the context of transformational leadership, social justice and the inequities which lead to microaggressions towards First Nations students in the educational system in Canada. The chapter argues that acts of microaggression are pervasive in the Canadian education system and only serve to thwart opportunities for economic and social advancement of First Nations people. As such, the education of First Nations students’ needs to be approached through the lens of social justice. In order for social justice to be effective, it requires education leaders who are open, willing to facilitate change, and encourage those that they lead to strive for higher ideals. The chapter contends that transformational leadership and social justice approaches to education are well suited to enact change at the individual, group, and community levels in First Nations education and thwart the practice of microaggression toward this group within educational settings.
Stigma theory and religion in the workplace
(2010) Thomson, Stanley Bruce
The application stigma theory provides significant insights into the strategies used to manage one's own religious beliefs and the beliefs of others in the workplace. Avoidance is the most common method used by participants and religious belief guided participants in their choice of jobs, the organization and their decisions to leave.

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