Choose any one from the five questions below:
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Q1. With growth of financial capitalism (‘financialisation’) there is an intensified focus on financial
performance and short-term profitability of firms. Firms have focused on aligning business strategy with the
interests of investors. Discuss the implications of ‘financialisation’ for HRM.
Q2. “Best practice, it seems, is problematic. When unpacked, the practices are much less ‘best’ than might be
hoped … they are not universally applicable, and they tend to ignore any active input from employees – other
than to help achieve employer goals – into organisations for which they work” (Marchington & Grugulis,
2000, p. 1121). Discuss and critically evaluate the problems associated with the notion of ‘best practice’
HRM.
Q3. Discuss how the role and priorities of the HRM function is shaped by EITHER 1. labour markets OR 2. the
internationalisation of products, services and production. (choose any one)
Q4. There is a broad debate in academia whether we are living in a knowledge economy. Critically discuss the
role of HRM in management of knowledge workers. Use examples to support your answer.
Q5. Employers (especially service organisations but not exclusively) are increasingly seeking to employ frontline service workers (FLSW) that have the appropriate personality and appearance (even sex appeal) as the
public face of the organisation and its brand. Critically discuss the implications of service work and emotional
labour for HRM.