The Nordic model of HRM from 1995–2021– a case of ‘bounded change’?

Abstract

The aim of this comparative study is to investigate the degree of continuity in the distinctiveness of private-sector Nordic HRM in terms of calculative and collaborative HRM in relation to the prototypical liberal market economy – the UK – and the prototypical coordinated market economy – Germany. Our analysis employs firm-level data from the Cranet survey for the period 1995–2021. In line with institutional theory and its concept of ‘bounded change’ our findings indicate that, notwithstanding structural change and institutional developments, the Nordic countries continue to be characterized by a relatively low adoption of calculative HRM and a relatively high adoption of collaborative HRM. As such, they continue to constitute a cluster of countries that is distinctive in relation to both the UK and Germany.